What is a Tax ID?

EasyParcel Marketing

Modified on: Mon, 23 Feb, 2026 at 1:51 PM

Quick Summary

A Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) is a government-issued identifier used by customs authorities to verify the identity of a receiver and determine applicable duties or taxes. On EasyParcel SG, providing a valid Tax ID for certain destination countries is essential for faster customs processing, reducing the risk of shipment returns, and avoiding penalties. Common examples include the NRIC or UEN in Singapore, CPF in Brazil, and RFC in Mexico. Failure to provide this information can lead to parcel delays, additional handling fees, or even disposal by customs authorities.

When shipping internationally, some countries require the recipient's Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) to complete customs clearance. Providing the correct Tax ID is essential to prevent shipment delays, returns, or additional customs fees. This article outlines what a Tax ID is, why it is required, and provides a list of countries where Tax IDs are commonly requested, along with their respective formats and restrictions.

1. What is a Tax ID?

A Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) is a government-issued number used to identify individuals or businesses for tax and customs purposes. It allows customs authorities to verify the recipient's identity and determine applicable duties or taxes on imported goods.

2. Why is a Tax ID important?

Faster transit: Speeds up customs processing for quicker delivery.
Fewer returns: Lower the chance of shipments being sent back due to missing or invalid Tax IDs.
Reduce risk of fines and holds: Avoid penalties and shipment delays caused by missing or incorrect Tax IDs.

3. When is a Tax ID required?

A Tax ID may be required when:

Shipping to countries with strict customs regulations.
Shipping to recipients classified as businesses.
Shipping high-value items that exceed tax-exempt thresholds.
Requested by the courier or the destination country's customs authority.

Failure to provide a valid Tax ID when required may lead to:

Delays in customs clearance.
Parcels are being returned to the sender.
Additional customs handling fees.
Parcel disposal by customs in some cases.

4. Tax ID format

Each country requires specific formats for Tax IDs. Below are some examples:

Country	Format and Notes
Argentina	Individuals: CUIT: 11 digits (e.g., 00-00000000-0) CUIL: 11 digits (e.g., 00-00000000-0) CDI: 11 digits (e.g., 00-00000000-0)
Brazil	CPF (Individual): 11 digits (e.g., 000.000.000-00) CNPJ (Business): 14 digits (e.g., 00.000.000/0000-00)
China	NRIC (Individual): 18 digits (e.g., 999999999999999999) USCC (Business): 18 digits (e.g., 99999999999999999x)
Indonesia	NIK (Individual): 16 digits (e.g., 0000000000000000) NPWP (Business): 16 digits (e.g., 0000000000000000)
Italy	Codice Fiscale (Individual): 16 alphanumeric characters (e.g., RSSMRA85T10A562S) Partita IVA (Business): 11 digits (e.g., 00000000000)
Malaysia	NRIC (Individual): 12 digits (e.g., 000000000000) BRN (Business): 12 digits (e.g., 000000000000)
Mexico	RFC: Individual: 13 alphanumeric (e.g., PEPJ900315HDF) Legal entities: 12 alphanumeric (e.g., XYZ200101ABC)
Singapore	NRIC (Individual): Alphanumeric (e.g., S1234567D) UEN (Business): 9–10 alphanumeric characters (e.g., 201912345Z)
South Afirca	Individuals: South African ID Number: 13 digits (e.g., 0000000000000) South African Tax Number: 10 digits (e.g., 0000000000)
South Korea	RRN (Individual): 13 digits (e.g., XXXXXX-XXXXXXX) BRN (Business): 10 digits (e.g., XXX-XX-XXXXX)
Vietnam	MST (Individual & Business) 10/13 digits (e.g., 0000000000-000)

If you are unsure whether a Tax ID is required for your shipment or need help entering the correct information, please contact our support team for further assistance.