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The ISF Filing Deadline is 24 hours before cargo is loaded onto a ship that is bound for the U.S. This deadline is mandated and enforced by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Failure to meet the deadline can result in financial penalties of $5,000 per infraction, delayed cargo, and additional inspections.
Need help with the ISF Filing? Our Licensed Customs Brokers can submit the ISF for you and help you avoid any penalties or delays. Contact our team today at (855) 912-0406 to get the help you need.
The ISF 24 hour rule is one of the most important requirements to know about the importer security filing process. An ISF is required to be filed no later than 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto a ship with a destination of the United States or a foreign trade zone (FTZ).
The rule specifically applies to the first 8 elements of an ISF:
The other two pieces of information - the container stuffing location and the consolidator - may be submitted later, but no less than 24 hours prior to the ship's arrival at a U.S. port.
With all that being said, an importer security filing and all of its data elements should be submitted as soon as possible. Submitting the ISF earlier will allow the filer additional time to correct any mistakes and revise the filing if needed.
If you fail to file your ISF, or you simply miss the ISF filing deadline, there are several consequences.
First, if you failed to file the ISF or missed the deadline, the port you arrived at will file a case with the CBP. The CBP will then proceed to file claims for the violations. They can assess damages of $5,000 per infraction, up to $10,000.
These infractions can include:
In some cases, CBP may hold your cargo until the proper information has been received and reviewed. The shipment may also be subject to additional inspections.
Need to learn more about how to submit an ISF correctly? Check out our article!
Don’t wait until your ISF filing deadline. Get the help you need from the Licensed Customs Brokers at USA Customs Clearance.
Our staff can submit the ISF on your behalf, and ensure that it’s filled out accurately and on-time. Ready to get started? Give us a call at (855) 912-0406 or fill out our customs brokerage to get started.
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I would like to import food items coming from Africa to the USA. What's the cost and processing of clearing customs for a 40ft and a 20ft container and also filing an ISF.
Hi,
I am looking to import natural food products which do not have any preservatives or food color manufactured in India.
Please guide me through the process and documentation required to be shipped in 20' container.
Please correspond and communicate in private to my email. Port would be Houston seaport cif.
Regards
Harsh
I would like to import food items coming from africa to the usa. Whats the cost and processing of clearing customs for a 40ft and a 20ft container and also filing an ISF.
I purchased a vehicle from Japan, would like to know when would I be filing this ISF form? I were informed when the seller from Japan sends me all documents with ISF form included? If this so. What is the time frame that I should be filing this ISF form to the CBP.
it is ok for us to not file ISF for our shipment since the shipper and CNEE on Bill of landing is forwarder?
Hi Duyen,
The Importer of Record is ultimately responsible for filing the ISF. Every freight forwarder is different. Some act as the Importer of Record for their clients, while others do not. It would be best to confirm with your freight forwarder who the Importer of Record for your shipment is.
I’d purchased something off of Alibaba and I am looking to do a ISF custom Form today it would be greatly appreciated if you could contact me. Thank you
Hi Dan,
We'll be happy to help you with this. One of our customs experts will reach out to you right away!
If my shipment has a Transshipment point than heads to the U.S. this is the time to file my ISF?
If I'm just ordering a few samples and a few gifts, do I need to file any forms? I ordered some things in different orders from aliexpress. The cost of the orders were very low. All under 20$.
Hi Melinda,
This will depend on what Incoterms the seller uses for your shipments. In some cases, the seller takes care of the necessary customs forms, while in other situations, this is the buyer's responsibility. Someone from our team will reach out to you confirm the Incoterms of your shipment to help you determine if you'll need to submit any forms. We look forward to helping you!
I’d purchased something off of Alibaba express and I am looking to do a ISF custom Form today it would be greatly appreciated if you could contact me thank you again
Hi Robert,
We'll be happy to assist you with your ISF Filing. One of our customs experts will reach out to you right away. We look forward to helping you!