ISF Filing
What is an ISF?
An Importer Security Filing (ISF), also known as ISF “10+2” is a filing required by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for ocean cargo imports into the United States. Certain shipment data must be provided in advance of the cargo being loaded on a vessel.
Importers who do not file the ISF properly prior to the shipment of their goods will be penalized (US$5,000 fine). The ISF must be transmitted at least 24 hours prior to an ocean's shipment's departure to the United States.
What information is included in an ISF?
ISF Importers, or their agent, must provide eight data elements, no later than 24 hours before the cargo is laden aboard a vessel destined to the United States. U.S. bound Cargo: requires the electronic filing of an Importer Security Filing (ISF) comprised of 10 data elements. Those data elements include:
- Seller
- Buyer
- Importer of Record (IOR) number
- FTZ applicant identification number
- Consignee numbers
- Manufacturer
- Supplier
- Ship to party
- Country of origin
- Commodity Harmonized Tariff Schedule
Two additional data elements are:
- Container stuffing location
- Consolidator
Additionally, the ISF filer will need the bill of lading number(s) to associate the ISF filing with the appropriate AMS (manifest) filing.
- MBL Number and SCAC
- AMS HBL# and SCAC
If you are importing cargo via ocean vessel into the United States, you need to file an ISF. ASL can help to takes care of the importer security filings details so you can focus solely on your business operations and avoid any shipment complications and delays.
As an expert and professional customs brokerage, we will help to supplying the proper documentation to clear port customs.
Check out our services and give us a call to learn how we can help you move your cargo easier and more efficiently!
