Dotted terms explain the abbreviation and who handles it. Hover, focus or tap to read.
Before accepting a Delivered Duty PaidAn Incoterms rule under which the seller handles import clearance and duties.Ask the seller to identify the importer and broker, and confirm the named destination and exclusions. quote, ask whose company will be named as the importer of record (Importer of recordThe party named as responsible for the US customs entry.The importer checks its identity records and authorizes its broker; a shipping quote alone does not identify that party.). US Customs and Border Protection is tightening importer-identity enforcement on September 18, 2026. This is not a blanket ban on DDP.
US Customs and Border ProtectionThe US agency that administers import and border requirements.The importer and its broker deal with CBP for the customs entry.’s August 19 notice covers new and existing importers. Form 5106 information must be complete, accurate and belong to the IOR. If CBP finds it deficient, it will void the importer number, making it unusable for entry.
The physical address must be the importer’s actual location, not a broker, forwarder, registered agent, PO box or another entity’s address. The importer’s own email and phone are required. A broker’s power of attorney must be executed directly with the IOR. Do not read the physical-location requirement as a blanket prohibition on a different mailing address or a new US-address requirement.
Read the CBP notice, including notification and reestablishment procedures.
Before a DDP shipment leaves
- Name the importer. Ask your seller for the legal entity that will appear as Importer of recordThe party named as responsible for the US customs entry.The importer checks its identity records and authorizes its broker; a shipping quote alone does not identify that party. and the licensed customs broker handling entry. Get the company names, even if the seller arranges the whole shipment.
- Check with the broker. Have the actual importer confirm its registration and authorization through the broker’s verified contact channel. Avoid circulating tax IDs or personal documents through sales chats.
- If it is your company, understand the role. Ask the broker what records and responsibilities your company takes on before authorizing anyone. Confirm this even when the seller pays for shipping.
- Write down cost responsibilities. Confirm the named delivery place, clearance, duties and taxes, and who handles correction, storage or delay charges. Keep this alongside the purchase order.
- Resolve an unclear answer before departure. If the seller cannot explain a workable import arrangement, obtain a revised proposal. A negotiated Delivered at PlaceAn Incoterms rule under which the seller arranges delivery to the named place, ready for unloading.The buyer normally handles import clearance and import duties. arrangement changes who handles import clearance; it is not just a new label.
What this means for DDP buyers
Under Incoterms® 2020 Delivered Duty PaidAn Incoterms rule under which the seller handles import clearance and duties.Ask the seller to identify the importer and broker, and confirm the named destination and exclusions., the seller handles import clearance and applicable import duties and taxes. Delivered at PlaceAn Incoterms rule under which the seller arranges delivery to the named place, ready for unloading.The buyer normally handles import clearance and import duties. normally leaves import clearance to the buyer. Those contractual allocations do not themselves establish which entity is eligible to make a US customs entry. ICC explains the distinction.
If the importer number becomes unusable, clearance may be disrupted and handling or storage costs may follow. Ask the seller and broker who would arrange corrections and pay those costs. The notice does not set a new flat fee.
What this notice does not settle
It does not announce a universal Delivered Duty PaidAn Incoterms rule under which the seller handles import clearance and duties.Ask the seller to identify the importer and broker, and confirm the named destination and exclusions. ban, require every buyer to become the Importer of recordThe party named as responsible for the US customs entry.The importer checks its identity records and authorizes its broker; a shipping quote alone does not identify that party., or establish a new tariff rate. Importer eligibility, valuation and product compliance still need shipment-specific review. Separate future policy changes should not be presented as part of this September 18 notice.
Use the landed-cost guide to compare quotes on the same assumptions.
Questions you might have
Does the September 18 US importer-ID change mean I cannot ship DDP?
No blanket DDP ban is announced. The change concerns accurate importer identity data. Ask who will be the importer of record, which broker handles entry, and whether that importer has checked its registration. Confirm the importer’s name even when the seller pays freight and duties.
What to check
- Legal importer identity and broker
- Registration checked directly with the broker
- Written clearance and delay-cost responsibilities
Limit: This US notice does not settle every entity's importer eligibility or product obligations.
Sources: CBP: Accuracy of Importer of Record Data (August 19, 2026); ICC Academy: Incoterms® 2020 — DAP or DDP?.
Sources and scope
- CBP: Accuracy of Importer of Record Data (August 19, 2026): September 18 enforcement, accurate Form 5106 identity details, direct broker authorization and voided importer numbers.
- ICC Academy: Incoterms® 2020 — DAP or DDP?: Seller import-clearance responsibilities under DDP and the different allocation under DAP.
- Community discussions inform the questions in this guide; they are not treated as proof of platform, supplier, legal, or compliance claims.
- US scope. Enhanced enforcement begins September 18, 2026. This notice does not ban DDP or settle every importer's eligibility. Check later CBP updates before shipment.
- Chaperon guides are educational information, not legal, tax, customs, or financial advice.