Tax ID Guide

Navigating international shipping often involves understanding Tax IDs. This guide will help you understand what they are and why they’re crucial for streamlined delivery.

Importance of Tax IDs

A Tax ID is a unique number used for customs screening when shipping internationally. Different countries have various names and formats for these IDs, but their purpose is the same: to ensure your goods move across borders without issue.

Customs Clearance

Proper Tax IDs help reduce customs delays, leading to streamlined transit.

Global Compliance

Terms and formats vary by country, the purpose is consistent: ensuring your goods move across borders without issues.

Reduce Delays

Providing the correct Tax ID helps avoid common shipping delays and complications.

Minimize Returns

Correct IDs help prevent returns or abandonment of shipments, ensuring your packages reach their destination efficiently.

Customs Clearance

Proper Tax IDs help reduce customs delays, leading to streamlined transit.

Global Compliance

Terms and formats vary by country, the purpose is consistent: ensuring your goods move across borders without issues.

Reduce Delays

Providing the correct Tax ID helps avoid common shipping delays and complications.

Minimize Returns

Correct IDs help prevent returns or abandonment of shipments, ensuring your packages reach their destination efficiently.

Tax ID Format Examples

Different countries have unique Tax ID format requirements. See some examples below.

Country	Format
Argentina
Individuals	CUIT (Tax ID number) – 11 digits (e.g. 00-00000000-0) CUIL (Employment ID number) – 11 digits (e.g. 00-00000000-0) CDI (ID Number) – 11 digits (e.g. 00-00000000-0) Passport Number
Brazil – Recipient Info
Individuals	CPF Tax ID – 11 digits (e.g. 000.000.000-00) Passport Number
Businesses	CNPJ Tax ID – 14 digits (e.g. 00.000.000/0000-00)
Canada
Businesses	BN (Business Number) – 9 digits with suffix (e.g. 000000000 RT 0000)
Chile
Individuals	RUT / RUN numbers – 9 digits (e.g. 00.000.000-X)
China
Individuals	Chinese ID card – 18 digits (e.g. 000000000000000000) Chinese passport – 18 characters (e.g. C000000000000000000) Foreign passport – 18 characters (e.g. W000000000000000000) Soldier card – 14 characters (e.g. J00000000000000) HK Travel Permit – 18 characters (e.g. H000000000000000000) Macau Travel Permit – 18 characters (e.g. M000000000000000000) Taiwan Travel Permit – 18 characters (e.g. T000000000000000000)
Entity	TIN – 15 to 18 digits (e.g. 000000000000000000 / 000000000000000000 / 00000000xxxxxxxxxx)
European Union
Businesses	IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) – 12-character code starting with IM (e.g. IM0000000000) EORI – 2-letter country code followed by up to 15 characters (e.g. XX000XXX000XXX000
Germany
Individuals	Tax ID number (Steuer ID) – 11 digits (e.g. 00-000-000-000)
Businesses	Steuernummer (Tax ID) – 10/11 digits (e.g. 00/000/00000) Umsatzsteuer-Id (VAT Number) – 11 digits with country code (e.g. DE000000000)
India
Individuals	PAN (Permanent Account Number) – 10-character alphanumeric code (e.g. XXXXX0000X)
Businesses	PAN (Permanent Account Number) – 10-character alphanumeric code (e.g. XXXXX0000X)
Indonesia
Individuals	NIK (Indonesian ID Number) – 16 digits (e.g. 0000000000000000) – For Indonesian Nationals Driver’s License – 13 digits (e.g. X000000000000) – For Indonesian Nationals or Foreigners Passport Number – Only for Foreigner
Businesses	NPWP (Indonesian Tax ID Number) – 16 digits (e.g. 0000000000000000)
Mexico
Individuals	RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) – 13-character alphanumeric (e.g. 0000000000000) CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población) – alternate temporary ID
Businesses	RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) – 13-character alphanumeric (e.g. 0000000000000) CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población) – alternate temporary ID
Norway
Businesses	VOEC (VAT on ecommerce) – VOEC followed by 7 digits (e.g. XXXX0000000)
Saudi Arabia
Individuals	Tax ID number – 15 digits (e.g. 000000000000000)
South Africa
Individuals	South African ID Number – 13 digits (e.g. 0000000000000) South African Tax number – 10 digits (e.g. 0000000000) Passport Number
South Korea
Individuals	Resident Registration Number – 13 digits (e.g. XXXXXX-XXXXXXX)
Businesses	Business Registration Number – 10 digits (e.g. XXX-XX-XXXXX) Corporation Registration Number – 13 digits (e.g. XXXXXX-XXXXXXX)
Taiwan
Individuals	National ID – 10 digits (e.g. X000000000) Unified ID – 10 digits (e.g. XX00000000) Tax Code (Mainland/Other) – 7 or 10 digits (e.g. 0000000 or 00000000XX)
Businesses	BAN – 8 digits (e.g. 00000000)
Turkey
Individuals	Tax ID number – 10 digits (e.g. 0000000000)
United Kingdom
Businesses	UKIMS (UK Internal Market Scheme) – Up to 31 characters
United States
Individuals	TIN (Tax Identifier Number) – 9 digits (e.g. 900-00-0000) SSN (Social Security Number) – 9 digits (e.g. 000-00-0000)
Businesses	EIN (Employer Identifier Number) – 9 digits (e.g. 00-0000000)

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Frequently asked questions

What is a Tax ID for international shipping?

A Tax ID, also known as a taxpayer identification number, is a unique identifier required by customs when shipping goods across borders. It helps verify the recipient’s identity and ensures shipments comply with local tax and import laws.

Why are Tax IDs important for international customs clearance?

Tax IDs are essential for smooth customs clearance when shipping internationally. They help customs authorities verify the recipient’s identity and reduce the chances of delays, inspections, or returns. Including the correct Tax ID on customs forms and shipping labels helps ensure streamlined processing and better compliance with destination country regulations.

What happens if I ship without a Tax ID?

Shipping without a Tax ID can lead to customs delays, fines, or returned packages. Some countries may hold or dispose of shipments that lack the required identification, especially if local regulations mandate a Tax ID for all imports.

How can I ensure I’m using the correct Tax ID for my shipment?

To reduce the possibility of delays, always confirm the recipient’s Tax ID type and format based on the country you’re shipping to. Utilize our format guide above and consult customs compliance tools to validate ID formats before you ship internationally.

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