ISF stands for Importer Security Filing. In shipping and logistics, an ISF is an electronic filing of advance cargo information required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for covered cargo arriving in the United States by ocean vessel.

The filing gives CBP information about the importer, supplier, goods, and shipment before the cargo reaches the United States. Most of the required information must be submitted no later than 24 hours before the cargo is loaded aboard the vessel at the foreign port.

ISF requirements apply to ocean shipments. They do not apply to cargo arriving by air, truck, or rail.

You may also hear an ISF referred to as “10+2.” This refers to ten data elements provided by the importer or its agent, plus two additional elements supplied by the ocean carrier.

For a standard ISF, the importer must provide:

• Seller name and address
• Buyer name and address
• Importer of Record number
• Consignee number
• Manufacturer or supplier name and address
• Country of origin
• Ship-to party name and address
• Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) number
• Container stuffing location
• Consolidator name and address

The ocean carrier is responsible for the two additional elements associated with the “10+2” requirement: the vessel stow plan and container status messages.

For most standard ISF filings, eight of the importer data elements must be submitted no later than 24 hours before the cargo is loaded aboard the vessel at the foreign port. Container stuffing location and consolidator information can be provided later, but generally no later than 24 hours before the vessel arrives in the United States.

Importers should still provide the required information to their customs broker as early as possible so there is time to identify missing or inconsistent shipment details.

How Do You File an ISF?

An ISF must be transmitted electronically to CBP through an approved filing system. CBP states that ISF filings are submitted through the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) or Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).

Importers can use a licensed customs broker or an approved third-party filing provider to submit the information. The ISF itself is therefore an electronic filing rather than a paper form that is mailed or submitted directly to Customs.

A1 Worldwide Logistics can file the ISF on behalf of importers with applicable ocean shipments and can also assist with the customs bond and customs clearance requirements associated with the shipment.

Who Is Responsible for Filing the ISF?

The ISF Importer is responsible for ensuring that the filing is submitted correctly and on time. The ISF Importer is the party causing the goods to arrive at a U.S. port by vessel. For a typical commercial import, this is generally the owner, purchaser, or consignee.

The importer can authorize an agent, including a licensed customs broker, to transmit the ISF on its behalf. This allows the ISF filing to be coordinated with the other documentation needed for Customs clearance.

Is an ISF the Same as a Customs Entry?

No. The ISF is an advance security filing submitted before an ocean shipment reaches the United States. A customs entry is part of the separate process used to enter the merchandise into the country, determine applicable duties and fees, meet other agency requirements where necessary, and obtain release of the cargo.

Filing an ISF does not clear the goods through Customs. The ISF and customs entry are separate requirements, and an ocean import may require both.

What Happens If an ISF Is Filed Late or Incorrectly?

CBP may assess $5,000 in liquidated damages per violation for an inaccurate, incomplete, or late ISF filing. CBP also states that failure to comply with ISF requirements can result in increased inspections and cargo delays.

If you discover that an ISF was not filed before the cargo was loaded, contact your customs broker as soon as possible. The shipment information can be reviewed to determine what needs to be filed or corrected rather than waiting until the cargo reaches the United States.

Delays after arrival can also lead to additional carrier or terminal costs depending on the circumstances, which is another reason to address a missed or incorrect filing quickly.

Need to File an ISF?

A1 Worldwide Logistics can file ISFs for applicable ocean imports and assist with customs bonds, tariff classification, customs entry, and final cargo release.

From our North Miami office, we work with importers bringing cargo through PortMiami as well as shipments entering through other U.S. ports.

If your shipment has already been booked, is approaching its sailing date, or is already moving and you are unsure whether the ISF has been filed, contact A1 Worldwide Logistics at 305-821-8995 or info@a1wwl.com.