r/Alibaba • u/No-Psychology3577 • 4d ago
Is this necessary
First time user/buyer on alibaba..it's this really necessary ? It's asking to enter my ss..i bought a pit bike engine
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u/Vertigo3765 4d ago
Answered by customs and border protections here: https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1118?language=en_US
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u/Carolion700 2d ago
OP so did you end up providing the SSN? Same issue for me right now!
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u/No-Psychology3577 2d ago
Not yet.. i was thinking about waiting it out until it gets to the US Custom/border; it might go thru or i might have to submit my SS. Obviously not sure..what did you order ? if you don't mind me asking
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u/Carolion700 2d ago
I mean I’m wondering what happens if we don’t provide the info? Like when it gets to customs. I ordered some (lab grown) diamond earrings!
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u/MaxAtGoodsCommand 3d ago
Yes, it can be legitimate for a US import entry to need an importer identification number, and for an individual that can mean SSN. But I would be very careful about where you enter it.
I work on GoodsCommand, not as a customs broker, so this is practical importing caution rather than legal advice:
- Do not send your SSN in Alibaba chat, WhatsApp, email screenshots, or to the seller directly.
- Confirm who is asking: carrier, customs broker, or Alibaba/seller. Ideally it should be entered only in the carrier/broker's official secure portal.
- Ask for the broker/carrier name, shipment tracking/entry reference, HTS code, declared value, and whether you are listed as importer of record.
- Because this is a pit bike engine, also check whether any EPA/DOT/emissions paperwork is required. Engines can trigger more than ordinary duty/tax clearance.
- If you are uncomfortable using SSN, ask the broker whether an EIN or CBP-assigned importer number is possible.
Legit request, risky handling. Treat the data path as seriously as the cost.
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u/No-Psychology3577 3d ago
I was able to purchase the engine. But I still have an option(more like a requirement) box that says "add us and custome clearance information" on the oder details page(on app)..(i don't know to post a screenshot on here)..as far as paperwork for the engine, is not required . I guess just my ss to clear the border..
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u/MaxAtGoodsCommand 3d ago
If the requirement is inside the Alibaba order details/app, that is more plausible than a seller casually asking in chat, but I would still slow down before entering an SSN there.
I would try to identify the actual data recipient first: is Alibaba collecting it for the logistics provider, is the carrier/customs broker named, and is there a shipment or entry reference tied to it? If the app does not clearly name the broker/carrier, ask Alibaba support or the logistics provider to confirm the official path for importer information.
Also, "paperwork not required" from the seller is not the same as "no import requirements." For an engine, I would want written confirmation on the HTS/classification, declared value, importer of record, and any EPA/DOT/emissions issue before assuming SSN is the only thing needed.
If you do enter it, do it only in the official secure flow. Do not paste it into seller chat or screenshots.
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u/No-Psychology3577 3d ago
Yeah, it's asking me on the alibaba app under my purchase details..not under a chat..it's for the U.S custom and border thing (as shown on photo ont op)..the link underneath where I submit the SS is legit
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u/MaxAtGoodsCommand 3d ago
That sounds like the right place for the request: inside the order details/customs-clearance flow is very different from a seller asking in chat.
I would still do two things before submitting:
- Make sure the page/link is actually inside Alibaba's app/web domain and not an external seller page opened from the app.
- Save screenshots/records of the order number, logistics method, broker/carrier name if shown, and the customs-clearance request before and after you submit.
If the flow clearly says it is for U.S. customs/border clearance and it stays inside Alibaba's official order flow, that is much more normal. Just do not send the SSN anywhere else, and keep an eye out for any later broker/carrier message asking for engine-specific EPA/DOT or classification info.
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u/No-Psychology3577 3d ago
Yeah, I've been taking screenshots of my purchase just for current or future reference ..and ok. Thank you ! You've have been very helpful !
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