The People’s Republic of China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) has issued a new rule effective June 1, 2018. The new rule requires the provision of new data elements related to goods being imported and exported from China. One of the new data portions that is now required is the Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Central Index Key (CIK) of US based shippers and forwarders. Also accepted is the equivalent government identification for shippers and forwarders in other countries.

We do understand the concern of many parties for disclosing the company EIN information, but we do not believe there is any breach of personal data as the EIN is not tied to an individual. Per our industry organization, NCBFAA (National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc) and their legal department has advised they are not aware of any law prohibiting the disclosure of EINs, especially when the EIN is required by a government authority to proceed with an export or import of your cargo.There should not be any objection from shipper’s and forwarder’s for providing the EIN as it is a matter of public record. The EIN information is required to be included on the air waybills and ocean bills of lading we prepare on your behalf.

If you have further concerns or questions regarding this new requirement with China, please contact our office today.