Submit ISF earlier

ISF filing must be submitted 24 hours before loading and match to AMS Filing. It's best to submit ISF as early as possible, ideally 3-4 days before the cutoff date. This allows sufficient time for holidays and have time to contact relevant parties to correct data. For example, if the bond provided by importer has expired; or to resolve mismatches between ISF and AMS.

If ISF filer is at shipper side, pelase get below data from consignee

1. Importer of Record Number
2. Consignee Number
3. Buyer (Owner) name/address
4. Ship to Party
5. Commodity HTS

If ISF filer is at consignee side, pelase get below data from shipper

1. Seller (Owner) name/address
2. Manufacturer(supplier) name and address
3. Container Stuffing Location
4. Consolidator (Stuffer) name/address
5. Country of Origin

Verify ISF matches with AMS filing after get ISF filing Accepted

Besides Accepted of ISF filing submission, we must also check for S1 matching code with the AMS filing. If there is no S1 code, the related AMS filing is not done or there is some issues, in this case, the ISF filer need to check with related AMS filing party.

ISF always matches with the lowest level AMS filing. If the freight forwarder submitted an AMS House filing, then the manifest type in ISF should be House B/L, and the forwarder's House B/L number should be filled in ISF. If only the ocean carrier submitted a master AMS filing or Regular BL for this shipment, then select Master B/L type in ISF and enter the ocean carrier's master BL number.

Don't be afraid to amend ISF

Some people worry that amending ISF will increase the probability of inspection, but this is not true. You can amend ISF content up to 24 hours before arrival. Before 24 hours before loading, you can deleting ISF and re-adding ISF.

Use Annual BOND

When filing ISF, a BOND number must be provided. You can use a single transaction bond or a continuous bond (annual bond). If you don't have an annual bond, you need to purchase a single ISF bond for each ISF submission.