What is ISF?

ISF(Importer Security Filing), requires ocean shipment that being imported or transiting through the United States must file the following information to CBP 24 hours before loading at the foreign port.

ISF is also referred to as ISF 10+2, which refers to the 12 data elements that need to be submitted when importing goods into the U.S. The importer/freight forwarder is responsible for submitting 10 data elements, while the ocean carrier is responsible for the 2 data elements.

Details are as follows. Goods transiting through the U.S. will be discussed in a later article.

ISF10 data elements

Must be completed at least 24 hours before loading:

1. Importer of Record Number
2. Consignee Number（US IRS,SSN, CBP Assign Number)
3. Seller (Owner) name/address
4. Buyer (Owner) name/address
5. Ship to Party
6. Manufacturer (supplier) name and address
7. Country of Origin
8. Commodity HTS: this is the US HTS

Must be completed at least 24 hours before arrival:

9. Container Stuffing Location: Address where the container was stuffed.
10. Consolidator (Stuffer) name/address:

ISF2 data elements which submitted by Ocean Carrier

1. Vessel Stow Plan
2. Container Status Message

Who should submit ISF?

For goods imported into the U.S., the ISF10 should be submitted by the importer or an agent authorized by the importer. Therefore, it is usually submitted by a U.S. customs broker or freight forwarder / NVOCC.

For goods transiting through the U.S., the ISF5 should be submitted by the booker. If a freight forwarder has issued House AMS Filing for the transit, the freight forwarder should submit the ISF5. If the freight forwarder has not issued an House AMS Filing for the transit, the Ocean Carrier should submit the ISF5 at Master AMS Filing level.

When to submit?

ISF must be submitted 24 hours before the loading of the last vessel bound for the U.S. In practice, Ocean Carrier or freight forwarders usually need to complete AMS declaration 3–4 days in advance and ensure it matches the AMS Filing.

What is the Penalties?

Failure to submit ISF as required, such as late filing or omission may result in a fine of $5,000. However, the fine amount can be reduced through an appeal for the first time.

What is the cost?

Costs vary depending on the service provider, the submission package, and whether it is self-filing.

For self-filing, the price ranges from $0.6 to $3 USD, typically billed per Bill of Lading number, with no amendment fees.

For outsource to thrid party, the cost is around $20 USD, with amendment fees ranging from $20 to $40 USD.