01 Jul WHAT IS AN IMPORTER SECURITY FILING?

Importer Security Filings, also known as ISFs, play an important role in the United States importation process. ISFs help the U.S. Customs and Border Protection keep track of high risk shipments and decrease smuggling into the United States.

In this article, we’ll explain what an ISF is, what information is needed to complete one, and when an ISF needs to be filed.

What is an ISF?

An Importer Security Filing (ISF) is a document required by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to import shipments into the United States. The ISF is submitted electronically by the importer and is used to track shipment information as the cargo moves from place to place.

Submitting an ISF to the Customs and Border Protection is required for imports coming to the United States and there are penalties for failing to do so. Those who import without submitting an ISF can face up to $5,000 in fines from the U.S. government.

What information is needed for an ISF?

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires 10 pieces of information from the importer and 2 from the ocean carriers. For this reason, an ISF is sometimes referred to as a 10+2. The required information includes:

From the importer:

1. Country of origin: The country that manufactured or produced the products in the shipment.
2. Buyer of the imports (name and address): The information of the person who agreed to buy the products in the shipment.
3. Seller of the imports (name and address): The information of the party who is selling the products in the shipment.
4. Ship-to party (name and address): Information regarding where the shipment will be sent once it is released from U.S. Customs.
5. Container stuffing location: Information about where the shipment was placed in the container. 
6. Stuffer (name and address): The information of the party who loaded the shipment into the container.
7. Supplier/manufacturer (name and address): The information of the party who manufactured or supplied the products in the shipment.
8. Consignee number(s): The identification number of the U.S. party on whose account the shipment is being imported.
9. Importer of record number/foreign trade zone applicant identification number: This is the identification number of the party who is responsible to pay for the costs incurred from the import. (For example, a social security number, IRS number or EIN).
10. Commodity Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS number): Each product in the shipment needs to be pre-classified with a number according to the HTSUS classification system.  

From the carrier:

1. Vessel stow plan: The plan for how cargo will be stored on the vessel.
2. Container status messages: Messages related to the status of a container, including its location and contents.

When does the ISF need to be filed?

An electronic ISF must be submitted 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the ocean vessel to depart for the United States. This timeline is strictly enforced by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Why an ISF is important

ISFs are a necessary part of the United States importation process. They are important for maintaining national security in the United States and help prevent dangerous and illegal shipments from entering the country.

Understanding ISFs and how they work is essential for anyone who plans to import shipments into the United States.