Nearly all businesses must obtain an employer identification number (EIN) from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Foreign businesses need an EIN when filing U.S. Customs paperwork and registering a facility with the FDA.

What is an EIN?

An EIN is a 9-digit identification number for taxpayers. The IRS assigns an EIN to most businesses to comply with tax and U.S. Customs regulations. More specifically, it is used for paying taxes and claiming tax exemptions from the IRS. If you are buying and receiving goods in the U.S., your business will likely need an EIN number to comply with U.S. regulations.

How do you obtain an EIN?

Most businesses can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website. However, unless you either have a legal residence or principal place of business located in the U.S., then the online option will not work.

Most foreign importers will instead need to fill out Form SS-4 and send it in by mail or fax. Filling out this form without knowledge of the specificat...