Frequently Asked Questions:

 

MID CodesWhat happens if the MID code is incorrect?

An incorrect or invalid MID code can lead to Customs holds, shipment delays, and potential fines. If the code doesn't match the manufacturer listed on the commercial invoice, CBP may issue a "Request for Information" (CBP Form 28).

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Who is considered the "Manufacturer" for an MID?

The manufacturer is the entity that performed the last substantial transformation on the product. This is not necessarily the seller or the exporter; if a trading company buys a finished product from a factory, the factory’s details must be used for the MID.

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Can an MID code be longer than 15 characters?

No. The standard CBP format is strictly up to 15 characters. If your manual calculation or an automated tool produces more, you must truncate it according to the specific hierarchy (e.g., stopping at the 3rd letter of the city).

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Do I need an MID for every country?

Yes, if you are importing into the U.S. However, the logic remains the same regardless of the country of origin. You simply swap the first two letters for the appropriate ISO country code (e.g., DE for Germany, IN for India).

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Does an MID code expire?

Technically, no. However, if a manufacturer moves locations or changes its legal name, a new MID code must be generated to reflect those changes, as the address and name are core components of the string.

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How do I handle manufacturers with no street number?

If a manufacturer is located in a region where addresses do not use numbers (common in some rural industrial zones), you skip the number portion of the logic and move directly to the city characters.

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Is an MID the same as a GLN or DUNS number?

No. While Global Location Numbers (GLN) and DUNS numbers are used for corporate identification and credit tracking, the MID is a specific algorithmic construct used exclusively for U.S. Customs entry purposes.