ISF Filing, also known as the Importer Security Filing (or “10+2”), is a regulation enforced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This rule requires importers or their designated agents, such as freight forwarders, to submit an electronic set of specific data about cargo that’s heading to the U.S. The goal is to help CBP assess the risk of imported goods and ensure the safety of U.S. borders by providing detailed information about the shipment.
The name “10+2” comes from the requirement for ten data points from the importer and two additional points from the carrier.
ISF Filing Requirements
Before goods can be shipped to the United States, importers must meet specific filing obligations set by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These requirements ensure that the right data is collected and transmitted on time, giving CBP visibility into the cargo before it departs for the U.S.
Who Must File
The responsibility for submitting an ISF rests with the importer of record or their designated agent, typically a licensed customs broker. While carriers may assist in sharing certain information, the legal liability falls on the importer.
When to File
All ISF information must be submitted to CBP at least 24 hours before cargo is loaded onto the vessel at the foreign port. If the filing is late, incomplete, or missing, CBP may impose fines and delay the shipment.
What Information Is Required
Importers must provide the 10+2 data elements, which include critical details about the shipment such as:
• Importer of record and consignee numbers
• Seller and buyer details
• Manufacturer or supplier information
• Ship-to party and consolidator details
• Commodity Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) numbers
• Container stuffing location
These data points allow CBP to assess risk and ensure compliance with trade laws.
Updates and Accuracy
The ISF must be accurate at the time of filing. If shipment details change for example, the supplier or consignee information – importers are required to update the ISF before the vessel’s arrival in the U.S.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with filing requirements can result in:
• Monetary fines of up to $5,000 per violation
• Cargo holds or exams, which can delay delivery and increase costs
• Longer clearance times, potentially disrupting the supply chain
Importer Security Filing Regulations
The Importer Security Filing isn’t just a best practice — it is a legal obligation established under U.S. law. These regulations provide the framework that gives CBP the authority to demand ISF submissions and enforce penalties for non-compliance.
Legal Foundation
ISF rules are grounded in the Safe Port Act of 2006 and the Trade Act of 2002. These laws were introduced to strengthen national security after 9/11, ensuring that U.S. authorities receive advanced information about cargo bound for the country.
Purpose of the Regulations
The regulations aim to:
• Improve supply chain transparency
• Allow CBP to identify high-risk shipments before they arrive
• Support broader U.S. border security initiatives
• Reduce the risk of smuggling or terrorism via maritime cargo
Enforcement Authority
CBP has the authority to monitor compliance, issue penalties, and hold shipments for review if an importer fails to follow ISF rules. The regulations empower CBP to apply fines, require additional inspections, and in some cases block entry until violations are resolved.
Recordkeeping Requirements
Under CBP regulations, importers must retain ISF records for at least five years. These records must be available upon request in the event of an audit or compliance check. This ensures that CBP can verify that filings were done correctly and on time.
ISF Penalties Under the Law
Unlike the “requirements” section, which explains immediate consequences, the regulations establish the legal basis for penalties:
• Fines of up to $5,000 per violation
• Possible liquidated damages under customs bonds
• Broader compliance actions, such as increased inspections on future shipments
ISF Fees & Charges in Shipping
While U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) does not charge an official fee for submitting an Importer Security Filing (ISF), importers should expect costs associated with the filing process. These expenses usually come from service providers, corrections, or penalties for non-compliance.
Broker Filing Fees
Most importers rely on a licensed customs broker to submit the ISF on their behalf. Broker service fees typically range from $30 to $80 per filing, depending on the provider, shipment complexity, and whether amendments are required.
Amendment or Correction Fees
If details in the ISF change after submission, such as the consignee or manufacturer information, the filing must be updated. Brokers may charge an additional fee per amendment, usually between $20 and $40.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
CBP may impose fines up to $5,000 per violation for late, incomplete, or inaccurate filings. In addition to monetary penalties, importers may face cargo holds, inspections, and clearance delays, all of which create extra costs in storage, demurrage, or handling.
Who is Responsible for Filing the ISF?
If you’re a business importing goods into the U.S. by sea, you’ll need to file an ISF (Importer Security Filing). This filing is required to help ensure the safety of U.S. borders and prevent illegal activities. The responsibility typically falls on the ISF Importer—the party causing the goods to arrive at a U.S. port by vessel. This is usually the owner, purchaser, consignee, or an agent, such as a freight forwarder.
However, if the cargo remains on board (FROB), the carrier is responsible for filing the ISF. For in-bond shipments such as Immediate Exportation (IE) or Transportation and Exportation (T&E), the party filing the necessary documentation also becomes the ISF Importer.
What Is the Difference Between AMS and ISF?
AMS is carrier-driven and shipment-focused, while ISF is importer-driven and security-focused. Both filings work together to give CBP a complete picture of what’s entering the country and who is involved in the supply chain.
Purpose
The Automated Manifest System (AMS) is primarily used by carriers to transmit cargo details to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Its main role is to help CBP identify, track, and screen shipments before they enter the country.
The Importer Security Filing (ISF), on the other hand, is submitted by the importer (or their agent) and focuses on providing detailed information about the cargo, suppliers, buyers, and other supply chain parties.
Who Files It
• AMS: Filed by the carrier, such as the shipping line or airline, before departure.
• ISF: Filed by the importer of record or their customs broker before loading the vessel.
Timing
• AMS must be filed shortly before the shipment departs for the U.S.
• ISF must be filed at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel bound for the U.S.
Information Provided
• AMS includes cargo manifest details such as bill of lading numbers, container numbers, and port information.
• ISF requires additional security data elements, such as the manufacturer, seller, buyer, consignee, HTS codes, and stuffing location.
What’s Included in an ISF Filing?
An ISF filing, which stands for Importer Security Filing, is made up of a number of different pieces of information. These elements help U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) assess the security and admissibility of shipments entering the U.S.
The ISF filing is broken down into 12 elements: 10 data elements are required from the importer, and 2 come from the carrier. Here’s how it works:
- Manufacturer: The party who produced or supplied the goods.
- Seller: The party selling the goods to the buyer.
- Buyer: The party purchasing the goods from the seller.
- “Ship to” Party: The recipient of the goods.
- Importer of Record: The person or entity responsible for ensuring the goods comply with U.S. laws and paying import duties and taxes.
- Consignee: The party who will receive the goods.
- HTS US Code (Harmonized Tariff Schedule): A code used to classify the goods for tariff purposes.
- Country of Origin: Where the goods were manufactured or produced.
- Container Stuffing Location: The location where goods are loaded into containers for shipment. This has a different deadline from other elements, so timing is important.
- Consolidator (Stuffer) Name and Address: The party responsible for loading the goods into the container. Similar to the stuffing location, this element has a different filing timeline.
The carrier is responsible for providing two important pieces of information for the ISF filing:
- Vessel Stow Plan: This is a detailed layout showing where each container is placed aboard the vessel. Carriers must submit the stow plan to CBP no later than 48 hours after departing the last foreign port. If the voyage is shorter than 48 hours, the plan must be submitted before the vessel reaches the first U.S. port, as outlined in CBP’s Mitigation Guidelines.
- Container Status Messages (CSMs): These are updates that track the progress and movements of containers, such as when they’re loaded onto the ship or moved. Carriers must submit CSMs for containers arriving by vessel, provided they have a system in place to collect this information.
Importer Security Filing (ISF) FAQs
The following are frequently asked questions about ISF Filing, its significance in international shipping, and its role in ensuring compliance and smooth import processes.
How Can Freight Forwarders Help Businesses with ISF Filing?
Freight forwarders play a key role in managing the ISF filing process for businesses. They ensure that all required information is accurately submitted within the specified timeline. But their role doesn’t stop there—freight forwarders are also responsible for managing the logistics of shipping, ensuring smooth coordination of the entire process from origin to destination.
By entrusting the ISF filing to freight forwarders, you gain access to professionals who are experienced in dealing with U.S. regulations, ensuring compliance and reducing the risk of costly penalties. They handle the electronic filing through systems like the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) or the Automated Broker Interface (ABI), which are necessary to complete the process.
What is the Importance of ISF Filing in International Shipping?
ISF Filing plays a crucial role in strengthening national security and streamlining international trade by ensuring that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) receives accurate and timely information about imports. By providing detailed data on shipments before they enter the U.S., ISF Filing allows for better risk assessment, faster clearance processes, and enhanced oversight.
This proactive approach helps prevent potential security threats while facilitating smoother, more efficient imports, ultimately benefiting both businesses and the global trade ecosystem.
What is the Connection Between ISF Filing and Customs Clearance?
The ISF is designed to enhance national security and streamline international trade by providing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with more accurate information about imports. By ensuring the correct details are submitted before cargo arrives, the ISF helps smooth the customs clearance process, enabling CBP to assess potential risks and ensure compliance with U.S. regulations.
What Happens if an ISF is Filed Late?
If an Importer Security Filing is submitted after the 24-hour deadline, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may impose fines of up to $5,000 per violation. Late filings can also lead to cargo holds, added inspections, and shipment delays, which increase costs and disrupt delivery schedules.
How Much Does Importer Security Filing Cost?
CBP does not charge a fee for submitting an ISF, but most importers hire a licensed customs broker to handle the process. Broker fees usually range from $30 to $80 per filing, with possible extra charges for corrections, updates, or late submissions.
How Does the ISF Filing Process Work?
The ISF filing process requires submitting key information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at least 24 hours before your goods are loaded onto the ship at the origin. This responsibility typically falls on the importer—whether that’s the owner, purchaser, consignee, or an agent like a customs broker. If the cargo stays on board (FROB), the carrier handles the filing. For both FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments, freight forwarders can manage the ISF filing for you, ensuring everything is submitted correctly and on time. Missing the deadline or filing incorrectly can result in penalties and delays, so it’s crucial to get it right.
How Does ISF Filing Relate to Other Shipping Documents?
ISF Filing is an essential part of the overall documentation required for international shipping, specifically related to security. It works alongside other important shipping documents like the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, and other important documents every importer should be familiar with.
Does ISF Filing Apply to LCL Shipments?
Yes, ISF filing requirements apply to Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments coming to the United States by ocean freight. The same “10+2” requirements that apply to full container loads also apply to LCL cargo. Each importer with cargo in a consolidated container must file their own ISF, even if their goods only take up a small portion of the container.
For LCL shipments, it’s especially important to work with reliable freight forwarders or customs brokers since timing can be more complex when multiple importers’ goods are involved. The standard rule still applies – ISF must be filed 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel. As mentioned earlier, missing this deadline could result in penalties ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per violation, regardless of shipment size.
Is There an Importer Security Filing (ISF) Requirement for Air Freight?
No, ISF requirements do not apply to air freight shipments. The Importer Security Filing (ISF) regulation, also known as “10+2,” is specifically designed for ocean freight shipments entering the United States. While air freight has its own set of security requirements and documentation, these differ from ISF filings.
For air shipments, carriers must instead submit Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) data to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).