What is ISF Filing?
Importer Security Filing (ISF), also known as “10+2,” is a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirement for all ocean cargo imports to the United States. The filing documents importing information and details as shipments move from point to point. It must be delivered to CBP at least 24 hours before the vessel carrying the shipment is due to make their final departure to the US.
The information included in the ISF improves CBP’s ability to flag high-risk shipments that may pose a safety threat upon arrival. This increased visibility helps CBP the smuggling of substances or people inside of the U.S. border.
To file an ISF form, you must have access to the following information:
Importer/Supplier Information
Supplier or manufacturer name and address
Owner or seller name and address
Ship-to name and address
Container stuffing location
Consolidator name and address
Importer of record number or foreign trade zone applicant identification number
Consignee number
Country of Origin
Commodity Harmonized Tariff Schedule number (each product on the shipment)
House bill (whenever applicable)
Master bill including SCAC (standard carrier alpha codes)
Carrier Information
Vessel stow plan
Container status message
Failure to comply with the CBP’s ISF regulations can result in massive fees, increased inspections, and ultimately a delayed shipment.
If your ISF filing is incorrect or incomplete, CBP may refuse to grant a permit to unload or to take the merchandise. If such cargo is unloaded without the permission of CBP, they can seize the cargo. In such a case, a “Do Not Load” order is applied to this cargo.
The U.S. Customs can assess damages up to $10,000 per shipment for various violations. Here’s a general breakdown:
Failure to file ISF - $5,000 / shipment
Late filing of ISF - $5,000 / shipment
Incomplete filing of ISF - $5,000 / shipment
Failure to withdraw ISF - $5,000 / shipment
Failure to match ISF filing to Bill of Lading - $5,000 / shipment.