While not common for someone who has never imported before, a shipper must understand what an ISF filing is. An Importer Security Filing (ISF), also known as a 10+2, is a form that has important information about a shipment. On the filing, importers must have important information such as:

• The name and address of the seller and buyer
• IRS/EIN or Social Security of the importer
• IRS/EIN or Social Security of the consignee (US recipient)
• The name and address of the Manufacturer
• The country of origin
• The name and address of the ship-to party (the first location where the cargo will be transported to after release)
• Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Number
• Container stuffing location or address where the cargo was loaded onto the container.
• The Consolidator stuffing location or the party that stuffed the container

The ocean carrier must also submit two additional documents, including container status messages and the vessel stow plan. Shippers must file ISFs  at least 24 hours before the vessel departs from the foreign port. This allows US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) time to review the details for any security risks. Failing to file an ISF can lead to costly disruptions in a shipper’s supply chain.

Consequences of Not Understanding What Is An ISF Filing

Due to the importance of filing an ISF, failure to file, or late or incorrect filing, can have significant consequences. Not filing, or filing an ISF late, could result in penalties of $5,000 per violation. Repeat violations can result in penalties of up to $10,000. Another consequence is that customs may hold the cargo at the port of origin until the ISF is filed. Late ISF filings can trigger cargo examinations and increased scrutiny for future imports. If shipments are held at ports for a specified period, they may incur demurrage charges. Delays caused by non-filing or incorrect filing can significantly impact businesses that rely on customer expectations for their cargo.

While an ISFfiling may seem challenging, having a customs broker’s assistance can make the process easier. A customs broker is a licensed individual or corporation that arranges customs clearance for imports on behalf of the importer. They do this by providing services such as calculating duties, preparing documentation, filing ISFs, and more. A1 Worldwide Logistics has customs brokers that file the ISF on the importer’s behalf. Reach out to us at info@a1wwl.com or 305-821-8995 to contact our broker regarding a successful.