ISF-5 and ISF-10s are two important documents used for importing. Knowing when to use each one is essential for maintaining compliance. Here at USA Customs Clearance, we’ve helped numerous importers obtain the documents they need. We’ll use this experience to help you identify whether you’ll need an ISF-5 or ISF-10.
Key takeaways:
Let’s take a closer look at the complexities of these two import documents and when each is required by importers in the following sections.
An Importer Security Filing (ISF) gives US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) better visibility into the goods entered into the US. The primary differences between an ISF-5 and ISF-10 are as follows:
We’ll give an explainer for each type of ISF below.

Simply put, an ISF-5 is required by foreign importers for shipments that are only temporarily imported into the US on the way to its final destination at a foreign port of unloading. This type of shipment typically includes transit cargo or in-bond shipments marked:
CBP began enforcing the ISF-5 rule in March 2019, ensuring increased security of high-risk shipments, even if the cargo is only temporarily within U.S. borders.
The person typically responsible for transmitting the ISF-5 on time is known as the booking party. This is usually the Foreign Importer of Record who makes the direct purchase from overseas. In some cases, the booking party may be a third party, such as the freight forwarder or consignee.
The data elements required for an ISF-5 include:
Learn more about how to submit an ISF correctly with our helpful guide.

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An ISF-10 is documentation required for a non-temporary import into the US by sea. Because the goods covered by an ISF-10 are being permanently imported into the US, not passing through temporarily, a lot more information is required by CBP.
The data elements required for an ISF-10 include:
It’s worth noting that both types of ISF require a submission deadline of 24 hours before the goods are loaded onto a vessel bound for the US. Additionally, inaccuracies or failure to file an ISF on-time can result in a fine of $5,000 per infraction.
Related: Importer Security Filing
Whether you need to file an ISF-5 or ISF-10, USA Customs Clearance can be your guide throughout the entire import process. Get expert guidance from a Licensed Customs Broker and ensure all of your import documentation is submitted accurately and on-time. Give us a call at (866) 753-5019 or reach out to us on our contact page.
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