If you are importing goods into the United States by ocean freight, you may hear the term ISF before your shipment is loaded at origin. ISF stands for Importer Security Filing, and it is an important part of the ocean import process.
ISF is also commonly referred to as 10+2. It requires certain shipment information to be submitted electronically to U.S. Customs and Border Protection before the cargo is loaded onto a vessel bound for the United States.
For importers, ISF is not something to overlook. A late, incomplete, or inaccurate ISF filing can create unnecessary risk, including delays, Customs questions, increased inspections, or penalties.
What Is an ISF?
An Importer Security Filing is an advance data filing required for most ocean import shipments entering the United States.
The purpose of ISF is to provide CBP with shipment information before cargo arrives. This helps CBP assess risk and improve cargo security before the goods reach a U.S. port.
In simple terms, ISF tells CBP important details about the shipment, including who is involved, what is being shipped, where it was made, and where it is going.
When Is ISF Required?
ISF is required for cargo arriving into the United States by ocean vessel.
It generally applies to ocean import shipments, including containerized cargo. ISF is not typically required for air freight, truck freight, or rail shipments.
For most U.S.-bound ocean cargo, ISF must be filed no later than 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel at origin.
This timing is extremely important. Importers should not wait until the shipment is already on the water or close to arrival before thinking about ISF.
Why Is ISF Called “10+2”?
ISF is often called “10+2” because it includes information from both the importer side and the carrier side.
The “10” refers to data elements provided by the importer or their authorized agent.
The “2” refers to carrier-provided information.
For most importers, the key point is that the importer is responsible for making sure the required ISF information is provided accurately and on time.
What Information Is Needed for ISF?
For most U.S.-bound ocean import shipments, the ISF filing includes important shipment details such as:
- Seller
- Buyer
- Importer of record number
- Consignee number
- Manufacturer or supplier
- Ship-to party
- Country of origin
- Commodity HTS number
- Container stuffing location
- Consolidator
Some of this information may come from the supplier, manufacturer, freight forwarder, buyer, or importer.
Because the information often comes from different parties, it is important to collect it early. Waiting too long can make it harder to file ISF before the deadline.
Who Is Responsible for Filing ISF?
The importer is ultimately responsible for the ISF filing.
In many cases, the importer authorizes a customs broker or freight forwarder to submit the ISF on their behalf. However, even if a broker or forwarder files it, the importer is still responsible for making sure the information provided is accurate and timely.
This is why communication is so important. Importers should make sure their broker or filing party has the required information before the cargo is loaded at origin.
Why ISF Timing Matters
ISF is not filed after the shipment arrives. It is an advance filing.
For most ocean imports, the filing must be submitted at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel bound for the United States.
If the information is late, incomplete, or inaccurate, the shipment may be subject to additional scrutiny. CBP may issue liquidated damages for inaccurate, incomplete, or late filings.
Late ISF filing can also create problems for delivery planning. If Customs reviews or holds the shipment, the importer may face delays, storage, demurrage, or other related costs.
Common ISF Mistakes
Some of the most common ISF issues include:
- Waiting until the shipment has already sailed
- Missing manufacturer or supplier details
- Incorrect importer of record number
- Incorrect consignee information
- Vague or incorrect commodity details
- Missing HTS number
- Incorrect country of origin
- Missing container stuffing location
- Confusion between buyer, seller, and ship-to party
- Filing based on incomplete supplier documents
Many of these issues can be avoided by collecting documents early and confirming shipment details before cargo is loaded.
What Happens If ISF Is Late or Incorrect?
A late or incorrect ISF can lead to several problems.
Possible consequences may include:
- Customs delays
- Increased inspections
- Shipment holds
- Liquidated damages or penalties
- Additional storage or demurrage costs
- More back-and-forth between importer, broker, supplier, and forwarder
- Delays in final delivery
Even if the shipment is eventually released, the delay can still affect the importer’s supply chain, customer commitments, and total landed cost.
How Importers Can Prepare
Importers can reduce ISF issues by preparing early.
Before the cargo is loaded, importers should confirm:
- A customs broker or filing party has been assigned
- A valid Power of Attorney is on file, if needed
- The importer of record number is correct
- Supplier and manufacturer details are available
- Buyer and seller information is accurate
- Country of origin has been confirmed
- HTS information has been reviewed
- The ship-to party is correct
- Container stuffing and consolidator details are available
- The bill of lading information is being coordinated
The earlier these details are collected, the easier it is to correct problems before they become costly.
ISF and Customs Clearance Are Connected, But Not the Same
ISF and customs entry are related, but they are not the same filing.
ISF is an advance security filing for ocean imports. It is submitted before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel.
Customs entry is the formal process used to clear goods through Customs and determine duties, taxes, and admissibility.
Because both filings rely on accurate shipment information, errors in one area can create problems in another. For example, an incorrect commodity description or HTS number may affect both ISF and the customs entry process.
Working With a Customs Broker
A customs broker can help importers understand ISF requirements, collect required data, submit the filing, and coordinate the customs entry process.
However, the broker can only file based on the information provided. Importers should work closely with suppliers and forwarders to make sure details are complete and accurate before the shipment departs.
Strong communication between the importer, supplier, freight forwarder, and customs broker can help reduce the risk of late filings and avoidable delays.
Final Thoughts
ISF is a critical step for U.S. ocean imports. It helps CBP review shipment information before cargo arrives and plays an important role in cargo security and import compliance.
For importers, the most important things to remember are simple: collect shipment details early, provide accurate information, and make sure ISF is filed before the required deadline.
Earth Customs can help importers prepare and submit ISF filings, review documentation, and coordinate customs clearance for U.S. ocean imports.
Need help with ISF filing for an upcoming ocean shipment? Contact Earth Services before your cargo is loaded so our team can help you stay ahead of the deadline.