IMPORT TARIFFS - LATEST NEWS & UPDATES
The Importer Security Filing (ISF) is a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pre-arrival filing for ocean cargo. Data included on an ISF helps CBP identify security risks before imported goods enter the US. Here are 7 things you need to know when preparing your ISF filing.
Key Takeaways:
I’ll detail exactly what you need to know about each of these ISF requirements and ensure you avoid fines or delays to your shipment.
Our Expert Licensed Customs Brokers [(866) 753-6859] will validate your 10+2, bill of lading, and transmit in the ACE/ABI to help you avoid holds and penalties.
As the importer of record for your shipment, there are 10 pieces of information that you are required to provide on your ISF filing for all merchandise being imported at the most detailed bill of lading level. Additionally, there are two data elements that are needed from the carrier, hence another name for an ISF, the “10+2”.
Now that we’ve covered the data the importer must require on the ISF, here’s the data carriers must provide.
It’s essential that you and your carrier provide correct and accurate information.
Submit ISF data elements about seller, buyer, importer of record number, consignee number(s), manufacturer (or supplier), ship to party, country of origin, and HTS number 24 hours prior to loading at the foreign port.
Submit ISF data elements on the container stuffing location and consolidator must be submitted no later than 24 hours prior to the ship’s arrival at a US port.
Follow this process to submit all ISF data elements on time:
Practicing this procedure ensures there are no last-minute issues with your imports prior to your shipment being loaded.
CBP assesses liquidated damages of $5,000 per ISF infraction and up to $10,000 per shipment for late, inaccurate, or incomplete filings. Non-compliant cargo may also face holds, refusal of unloading, or "do not load" orders.
Mitigation of ISF errors depend on the type of mistake, corrective speed, and your compliance history with import regulations. Keep time-stamped records on all the updates you receive.
CBP defines the ISF importer as the party responsible for causing the goods to be entered into the US commerce. This is typically the owner, purchaser, consignee of the goods. A licensed customs broker can file the ISF on if they’re given the power of attorney by the ISF importer.
There are some shipment types that allow for exceptions to the typical ISF requirements. Most notably, an ISF is only required for imports entering the US at an ocean port of entry.
You do not need to submit an ISF for shipments entering by way of air or ground transportation. Additionally, an importer entering bulk cargo is not required to submit an ISF.
Similarly, importers of break bulk cargo do need to submit an ISF, but they have until 24 hours before their freight arrives, rather than 24 hours before the freight is loaded. Foreign Cargo Remaining Onboard (FCRO), Immediate Exportation (IE), and Transportation & Exportation shipments also operate differently than a standard ISF (ISF Type 01).
ISF filings require a customs bond. You may use a continuous customs bond that covers all entries and ISF filings for an entire year or a single transaction bond (STB) that only covers one imported shipment.
Many customs brokerages can sell you the ISF bond on its own. These bonds serve as guaranteed coverage for potential liquidated damages for any ISF violations.
Submit your ISF electronically via the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) or the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). You may also submit the ISF by hiring a customs broker, like USA Customs Clearance, to file it on your behalf.
If you file your ISF and entry documentation together, you only need to provide these data elements once:
Providing this information will make the importing process more efficient for you.
Our Licensed Customs Brokers [(866) 753-6859] can file an ISF on your behalf with the power of Attorney.
At USA Customs Clearance, our Licensed Customs Brokers specialize in handling import documents, like the Importer Security Filing, on the importer’s behalf. Reach out to our team today on our contact page or give them a call at (866) 753-6859.
Copy URL to Clipboard
Add usacustomsclearance.com as a preferred source!
See more of our coverage in Google's Top Stories.
Add usacustomclearance.com as a preferred source!
See more of our coverage in Google's Top Stories.
Please can you confirm if the ISF filing is required for Air and Sea Shipments going into the USA.
Secondly can you forward me the ISF Document to be completed. IF the customer (once off importer) is here in South Africa and buys goods whilst in SA can he apply online whilst here for the ISP Filing?