A Manufacturer Identification Code (MID) identifies a manufacturer or supplier in U.S. customs entry documentation. It is built from the company’s name and address, not issued as a registration number.
If you’re importing goods from China, you’ll need accurate supplier information to create the correct MID and avoid inconsistencies in your customs paperwork.
What Is a Manufacturer Identification Code?
An MID is an identification code U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses to process import entries.
It can contain up to 15 characters and is constructed using:
- The two-letter country code
- The first three letters of the first two words of the company name
- Up to four digits from the largest number in the street address
- The first three letters of the city name
An MID is different from an Employer Identification Number (EIN), importer number, or customs bond. It identifies the manufacturer or supplier associated with the goods, rather than the U.S. importer.
How to Create an MID Number for U.S. Customs
You can construct an MID using the manufacturer’s company name and physical address.
Consider this fictional Chinese manufacturer:
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Company name | Shenzhen Bright Electronics Co., Ltd. |
| Street address | 128 Longhua Road |
| City | Shenzhen |
| Country | China |
The MID is built as follows:
| Component | Code |
|---|---|
| Country code | CN |
| First three letters of "Shenzhen" | SHE |
| First three letters of "Bright" | BRI |
| Street number | 128 |
| First three letters of "Shenzhen" (city) | SHE |
Example MID: CNSHEBRI128SHE
This is an illustrative example, not an assigned or verified manufacturer code.
When constructing a real MID, follow CBP’s official rules for company names, address numbers, and country codes. Names containing multiple words, numbers, or certain common business terms may require special handling.
MID Number Customs Requirements: Which Company Should You Use?
The correct company depends on the goods and the applicable customs requirements.
For many imports, CBP entry instructions allow identification of the manufacturer or supplier. However, certain products have stricter rules.
For textile and apparel imports, the MID generally must identify the actual manufacturer responsible for the operations that determine the product’s country of origin. A trading company that only sells or exports the goods is not a substitute for that manufacturer.
This distinction matters when importing from China, where the company issuing the commercial invoice may not be the factory producing the goods.
If you’re buying through a sourcing agent or trading company, confirm the manufacturing details with your supplier before submitting the entry information.
What If You Buy from Multiple Factories in China?
One shipment can contain products made by different manufacturers.
Do not automatically use the exporting trading company’s MID for every product. Each relevant entry line should identify the appropriate manufacturer or supplier according to the applicable CBP requirements.
Before shipping, collect the following information for each factory:
- Full legal company name
- Complete physical address
- City and country
- Products manufactured at that location
Confirmation of the actual manufacturer, particularly for textiles and apparel
Providing these details to your customs broker early can help prevent last-minute questions when the shipment reaches the United States.
Common MID Number Mistakes
1. Using a trading company's details instead of the manufacturer's
The seller, exporter, and manufacturer aren’t always the same company. Confirm which business you need to identify before creating the MID.
2. Entering an incorrect or incomplete address
Missing street numbers, misspelled city names, or inconsistent company details can lead to an incorrect MID. Check the manufacturer’s full name and address before generating the code.
3. Confusing an MID with an importer identification number
An MID identifies the manufacturer or supplier, not the U.S. importer. You still need the appropriate importer identification and other required customs documents.
4. Assuming an MID guarantees customs clearance
A valid MID alone won’t clear your shipment through customs. CBP also reviews product classification, declared value, country of origin, and other applicable import requirements.
Do You Need to Register for an MID Number?
You don’t need to register with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to create an MID. Instead, you generate the code using the manufacturer’s or supplier’s details and CBP’s formatting rules.
Make sure the information is accurate and identifies the correct business. If you’re unsure which company to use, check with your U.S. customs broker before filing your entry.
Shipping from China to the United States?
Accurate manufacturer details help prevent discrepancies in shipping and customs documents. ASLG coordinates air and ocean freight from China to the United States, along with shipping documentation and customs-related logistics support.
Planning a shipment? Share your pickup location, U.S. destination, cargo details, and preferred shipping date. We’ll help you explore suitable freight options.
