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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.
The ISF filings, sometimes called the 10+2 filing, is a regulation set by CBP that requires importers in the U.S. to provide 10 data elements (five for transit cargo) in advance of a shipment’s arrival at port in the United States. The ISF is an essential document that you’ll need to clear your shipment through a port of entry.
The regulation also requires two data points from the carrier, hence the name 10+2 filing.
CBP mandated the ISF to support two port and trade acts:
The ISF is only required for ocean freight shipments, though similar documentation is required for air freight.
On ocean shipments, the security filing gives CBP advance information about incoming shipments so they can make arrangements for releases, holds, and exams as necessary. It’s not required on air and ground freight transport.
Air freight shipments must have details reported via the Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) Program.
CBP uses ISF data to analyze the risk factors of shipments before they reach U.S. shores. In fact, CBP catches some of these factors before the shipment is even loaded onto its vessel.
Other specific reasons CBP requires the ISF include:
CBP doesn’t just ask for the ISF to create more documentation procedures for importers: it’s part of a multi-layered security strategy to reduce bad actors in international commerce. The ISF itself is fairly simple as far as U.S. customs documents go, requiring just 10 data elements from the importer.
Importers are expected to provide 10 data elements on their Importer Security Filing, with two more elements provided by the carrier.
A standard ISF requires importers to provide these 10 data elements:
When you fill out your ISF, double check all data elements against your records and those provided by your exporter to ensure your filing is approved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
In addition to the 10 data elements you provide on the ISF filing, the carrier must transmit its vessel stow plan and container status messages (CSMs) to CBP.
The CSMs must be transmitted within 24 hours of the message(s) being entered into the carrier’s tracking system. The carrier must transmit the vessel’s stow plan no later than 48 hours after the ship leaves its last foreign port.
Although the security filing isn’t as complex as some customs documents, there is still room for importers to make errors filling the form out.
Common mistakes importers make on the ISF include:
It’s also important to note that while there are benefits to working with a customs broker, they’re not responsible for the accuracy of the ISF even if they submit it. The ISF importer remains responsible for complete and timely data even when a licensed customs broker submits the filing.
Timely submission of the Importer Security Filing is crucial to avoid steep penalties from CBP. They allow updates when better information becomes available, but importers still need an initial filing on time.
Regulations from CBP require importers to submit their 10 elements for ISF filings on ocean shipments no fewer than 24 hours prior to the shipment being loaded on its cargo vessel.
If you find a mistake in your ISF documentation, you may be able to amend it before your shipment reaches its U.S. port of destination.
Importer Security Filing data elements that can be amended fall into one of two categories:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection allows importers to fill out parts of the ISF with the most accurate information available at the time under the “reasonable care” expectation. If the importer finds more accurate information (like finding out a product’s country of origin differs from its ship-from country), the corresponding portion of the ISF should be corrected to reflect the change.
Given the importance of the security filing in helping CBP assess risks on incoming shipments, the penalties for failure to file the correct information or filing late are severe.
Late or inaccurate/incomplete ISF forms can lead to liquidated damages of up to $5,000 per filing. This is per filing, so multiple incorrect ISFs can easily trigger tens of thousands of dollars in penalties from CBP.
Monetary penalties aren’t the only potential consequence of an incorrect or missing ISF: CBP may flag your cargo as “do not load”, or hold it for examination if it reaches its U.S. port. Reputation matters to CBP, and importers who fail to follow documentation regulations can expect a greater chance of cargo exams and delays in the future.
The ISF importer is responsible for the filing, even when a licensed customs broker transmits the filing on the importer’s behalf.
Just remember that working with a customs broker in this capacity does not shift responsibility from IOR to the broker: any penalties for late and/or inaccurate filing will still be borne by the IOR.
The security filing designates the IOR on a shipment as the party responsible for gathering the information necessary to submit an accurate ISF. Many importers partner with a Licensed Customs Broker to submit this and other important customs forms (such as CBP Form 7501) in a fast and accurate manner.
Submitting your ISF filing via a customs broker benefits you in the following ways:
By verifying your information with a licensed broker before submitting your ISF-10, you further insulate yourself from potentially expensive fines from CBP. Keep in mind that, as the IOR, you are still responsible for that information being correct and submitted on time.
When a shipment is only temporarily destined for the U.S., there are situations that call for a five-element Importer Security Filing instead of the ISF 10+2. CBP specifically calls out the following types of shipments for ISF-5 use:
There are some further exemptions based on the manner in which the cargo is stowed.
Bulk shipments are exempt from ISF requirements. CBP defines bulk cargo as homogeneous cargo stowed loose in the vessel’s hold and not enclosed in any container.
This can include commodities such as:
Bulk items that require mechanisms to unload, such as steel beams and pig iron, also fall into CBP’s definition of bulk cargo. CBP makes a clear delineation between bulk and break bulk.
Break bulk cargo, which is non-containerized but still packaged and bundled, may be exempt from the 24 hour cargo declaration rule on a case-by-case basis. CBP does not maintain a list of break bulk cargo to which the exemption applies, but non-containerized motor vehicles are one example CBP treats as break bulk for this rule.
CBP allows multiple types of bonds to satisfy ISF requirements, including a continuous customs bond. It is technically possible to use a single transaction bond to meet the ISF requirement, but it’s not ideal in practice since single bonds are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by CBP.
Other bonds that satisfy ISF requirements are:
The bond must be on file before you submit your ISF.
Submitting an ISF is done electronically through one of two options:
Carriers submit their portion of the ISF through the Automated Manifest System (AMS).
If you have registered an ACE account as an importer, you can submit your ISF through the ACE portal. Remember that you’ll need a customs bond on file and to be registered as an IOR to use this option.
If the importer cannot transmit directly, an authorized agent may file on the importer’s behalf. This is usually a licensed customs broker using ABI software.
To authorize a customs broker to perform this and other customs-related business for you, you’ll need to sign a power of attorney with the business handling your customs brokerage.
Now that you know how to fill out an ISF, you should know the common mistakes importers make when completing the document. We’ve listed them in the following graphic.
The best way to avoid these mistakes is to work with a Licensed Customs Broker when filling out their ISF.
To help you file your ISF on time, we’ve provided a graphic with the typical timeline leading up to the 24 hour deadline.
Keeping track of these timestamps will keep you on track so you can submit your ISF on time.
Here at USA Customs Clearance, we have a team of Licensed Customs Brokers that are ready to help you clear your imports. They have decades of experience they’ll use to evaluate your imports and ensure they’re compliant. Whether it’s an ISF or other customs-related challenge, they’ve got you covered.
Start your ISF filing today or talk to an expert today at (855) 912-0406. You can also reach out to us on our contact page.
FAQ:
Who is responsible for submitting the Importer Security Filing?
The Importer of Record (IOR) is responsible. The IOR may choose to have a customs broker submit the ISF.
When must the Importer Security Filing be submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection?
No fewer than 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto its shipping vessel.
What are the penalties for filing an ISF incorrectly or failing to file one at all?
CBP may assess liquidated penalties of up to $5,000 per ISF violation.
Sources
Import Security Filing (ISF) - When to submit to CBP, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 11/24/2025
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Homepage, last updated 5/20/2026
H.R.4954 - SAFE Port Act, congress.gov, 10/13/2006
H.R.3009 - Trade Act of 2002, congress.gov, 8/6/2002
Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS), Federal Register, 6/12/2018
CBP Form 7501: Entry Summary, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, last updated 1/27/26
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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?