Importer of Record in the USA – How to unblock packages detained by US Customs?

In recent months, an increasing number of shipments bound for the United States have been detained by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This applies to both large B2B shipments and small e-commerce parcels. This is due to changes in import regulations and the abolition of the so-called de minimis exemptions, which previously allowed clearance without full customs formalities.

In practice, this means that Even low-value shipments are now carefully inspected, and any inaccuracies in the documents or the lack of an authorized importer may result in the goods being blocked. It is in such situations that the key role is played Importer of Record (IOR) servicewhich is offered Swiftlogistic Sp. z o. o.

What is Importer of Record (IOR)?

Importer of Record is an official entity registered in the United States that assumes full responsibility for the import of goods. In practice, this means that the IOR:

• submits the required customs documents,
• pays due taxes and duties,
• ensures import compliance with US regulations (FDA, FCC, EPA, etc.),
• acts on behalf of the sender or recipient, enabling the release of goods into circulation.

If a shipment is stuck at the US border, it is the lack Registered Importer of Record is the most common reason for detention.

Why are parcels to the US now checked more often?

In 2025, the U.S. Customs Administration introduced new regulations regarding import oversight. The exemption from customs clearance for shipments valued under $800 was eliminated. Additionally, CBP now requires more detailed data: precise product descriptions, tariff codes, and manufacturer and importer identification numbers.

As a result:

• most shipments pass through customs control,
• lack of IOR results in immediate detention of the shipment,
• the clearance time is extended by up to several weeksif the required documents are not provided.

Amazon FBA and European Sellers – Why Do They Need IOR?

More and more European retailers are using the program Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)to reach customers in the United States. Amazon allows for the storage of goods in its fulfillment centers in the US, but does not act as an importer under US customs law.

This means that:

• Amazon cannot become an Importer of Record for goods shipped from outside the USA,
• seller from Europe must have its own IORfor the goods to be accepted into the Amazon FBA warehouse,
• the lack of Importer of Record leads to cargo detention at the border or Amazon rejects the shipment.

Service Importer of Record USA From Swiftlogistic Sp. z o. o. solves this problem by enabling European sellers to legally and quickly introduce goods to the US market and the FBA system.

Thanks to our cooperation with our partner in the USA, we ensure full customs representation, compliance with CBP and FDA regulations, and on-time delivery of the shipment to the Amazon warehouse.

How does the IOR service work at Swiftlogistic?

Swiftlogistic Sp. z o. o. offers comprehensive services Importer of Record USA, thanks to which shipments can be cleared and released for circulation without the involvement of the American recipient.
As part of the service:

1. We register an importer (IOR) in the USA – we provide an EORI/CBP number and local representation.
2. We prepare full customs documentation – including import declarations, invoices, HS codes and recipient details.
3. We pay customs duties and taxes on behalf of the client.
4. We monitor the clearance process and communication with CBPso that the package is released as soon as possible.
5. We deliver the shipment to the final recipient or Amazon FBA warehouse after completing the customs procedure.

This makes the import process simpler, faster and fully compliant with US law.

When is it worth using Importer of Record?

IOR service is necessary if:

• Your the package was detained by US Customs,
• you send goods to individual customers or marketplaces (e.g. Amazon, eBay),
• you don't have registered entity in the USA,
• you import FDA or FCC regulated products (e.g. supplements, electronics, cosmetics),
• you want to avoid penalties and delays related to incorrect declaration of goods.

Benefits of working with Swiftlogistic

✅ Faster release of shipments from US Customs.

✅ Full compliance with regulations – CBP, FDA, FCC.

✅ Import support for Amazon FBA sellers.

✅ Saving time and costs related to detained parcels.

✅ Ongoing support from the Swiftlogistic team, which constantly monitors the situation of shipments and contacts customs agencies.

✅ Possibility of integration with Swiftlogistic fulfillment – from import, through warehousing, to shipment to the end customer in the USA.

Summary

The growing number of shipments detained by US Customs is the result of changes in import law and tightened controls.
Service Importer of Record USA From Swiftlogistic Sp. z o. o. allows you to quickly unblock shipments stuck in customs and allows European sellers to get goods into warehouses without any problems Amazon FBA.

If your package has been detained by CBP or you are planning to export to the USA, please contact us.
We will make sure that your goods reach their destination no delays and no risk of being stopped.