Call:

Importer Security Filing (ISF): 7 Things Every Importer Should Know Before Submitting

An image representing the various parts of the supply chain required when importing, including those that require an ISF filing

An ISF Filing is a critical document required to import goods into the U.S. via ocean vessel. Learn more about its requirements and why this form is so important.

By

USA Customs Clearance

April 15, 2022

Share This Article

Last Modified:
July 3, 2024

The Importer Security Filing (ISF) is one of the most important entry documents an importer submits when entering their U.S.-bound freight. Here are 7 things you need to know when preparing your ISF filing.

Key Takeaways:

An Importer Security Filing requires 10 data elements from the importer and two from the carrier
The deadline to submit your ISF is 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto a vessel bound for the U.S.
The penalty for an ISF violation is $5,000 per infraction, up to $10,000 per shipment
The ISF Importer is responsible for submitting the ISF, but you can hire a customs broker to file on your behalf
ISFs are only required for U.S. imports arriving via ocean vessel. Bulk shipments are exempt
A customs bond (or ISF bond) is required when submitting your ISF
ISF filings must be submitted electronically via the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) or the Automated Manifest System (AMS)

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.

1. 10+2 Data Elements

An infographic displaying the 10+2 data elements required when submitting an ISF filing: Manufacturer, Seller, Buyer, Ship to Party, Container Stuffing Location, Consolidator, Importer of Record Number, Consignee Number, Country of Origin, HTSUS Number, Vessel Stow Plan, and Container Status Message

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”.

Manufacturer (Supplier): Name and address of the entity that last manufactures, assembles, produces, or grows the commodity.
Seller: Name and address of the last known entity from whom the goods were purchased.
Buyer: Name and address of the last known entity to whom the goods are sold.
Ship To Party: Name and address of the first deliver-to party after customs release.
Container Stuffing Location: Name and address(es) of the physical location where the goods were loaded into the container.
Consolidator (Stuffer): Name and address of the party responsible for stuffing the container.
Importer of Record Number: The IRS number, EIN, SSN, or CBP-assigned number of the entity liable for payments of all duties and responsible for meeting all regulations.
Consignee Number(s): The IRS number, EIN, SSN, or CBP-assigned number of the entity on whose account the goods were shipped.
Country of Origin: The country where the goods were manufactured, produced, or grown.
Commodity Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Number: The duty and statistical reporting number classifying the imported goods at the 6-digit level.

The two pieces of information that the carrier must provide are:

Vessel Stow Plan: Information on the stowage of containers on the vessel.
Container Status Messages (CSM): Updates on the status of containers during transit.

2. Filing Deadline

CBP requires advance notice when an ISF is filed in order to screen the cargo effectively for security risks. A good rule of thumb is to have all of the information submitted 24 hours before your cargo is loaded onto a ship bound for the U.S. - however, some of the data elements allow for some flexibility.

The seller, buyer, importer of record number, consignee number(s), manufacturer (or supplier), ship to party, country of origin, and HTSUS number must all be submitted in accordance with the rule above.

The container stuffing location and consolidator, on the other hand, can be filed later. This information should still be submitted as early as possible, but the deadline for those is 24 hours prior to the ship’s arrival at a U.S. port.

3. Penalty for Infractions

Any mistake made involving an importer security filing can cost an importer $5,000 per infraction, up to $10,000 per shipment. This includes inaccurate, incomplete, or untimely filings. Non-compliant cargo may also face holds, refusal of unlading, or "do not load" orders.

30 Minute Licensed Expert Consulting Will Personally Guide You

USA CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

An Inaccurate ISF Means a $5,000 Fine

Learn How to Fill Out Your Importer Security Filing Correctly.

Our Licensed Customs Brokers Can Personally Guide You.

Contact our Licensed Expert Consultant >

4. Who is Responsible for Filing

The ISF Importer is responsible for submitting the ISF in an accurate and timely manner. CBP defines the ISF importer as the party responsible for causing the goods to be entered into the U.S. This is typically the owner, purchaser, or consignee of the goods.

Alternatively, the importer can hire a third party, such as a customs broker, to file the ISF on their behalf. However, these agents must first be granted power of attorney.

5. Exemptions

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 U.S. 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.

FROB, IE, and T&E shipments also operate differently than a standard ISF (ISF Type 01). You can learn more about these in our article ISF-5 vs ISF-10: What’s the Difference? :

6. Bond Coverage

Any importer submitting an ISF must obtain coverage in the form of an import bond. Many importers will have already secured either a continuous or single transaction customs bond to cover their shipment. If you already have one of those, this will cover the ISF bond requirement as well.

However, if you have not already obtained a bond, you will need to purchase one of the following:

Activity Code 1: Basic Importation and Entry (Continuous or Single Transaction)
Activity Code 2: Basic Custodial (Continuous Bond Only)
Activity Code 3: International Carrier (Continuous or Single Transaction)
Activity Code 4: Foreign Trade Zone Operator (Continuous Bond Only)
Activity Code 16: Importer Security Filing (Continuous or Single Transaction)

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.

7. How to Submit

ISF filings must be submitted electronically via the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) or the Automated Manifest System (AMS). Importers without direct access to ABI or AMS can hire a customs broker or a third-party logistics provider, like USA Customs Clearance, to file the ISF on their behalf.

Notably, if you’re submitting your ISF as the same time as your entry documentation, there is some information that you only need to provide once:

Importer of record number
Consignee number
Country of origin
Commodity HTSUS number if this number is provided at the 10-digit level

File Your ISF with USA Customs Clearance

At USA Customs Clearance, our licensed customs brokers specialize in handling import documents, like the Importer Security Filing, on the importer’s behalf.

Don’t risk a $5,000 fine for even the smallest error. Let us handle the hard work for you, and you can rest easy knowing that your most important import documents are being handled by industry experts.

Fill out a customs brokerage request or give us a call at 855-912-0406 today to get started.