ISF Filing: Complete Guide

The Importer Security Filing (ISF), commonly known as "10+2," is a CBP requirement for all ocean shipments entering the United States. The filing must be submitted at least 24 hours before cargo is laden aboard a vessel at the foreign port. Failure to comply can result in $5,000 penalties per violation, cargo holds, and intensive examinations.

The 10 Importer Data Elements

1. 1
   Seller (name and address)
2. 2
   Buyer (name and address)
3. 3
   Importer of Record Number (EIN/IRS)
4. 4
   Consignee Number
5. 5
   Manufacturer (or supplier)
6. 6
   Ship-to Party
7. 7
   Country of Origin
8. 8
   Commodity HTS Number (6-digit minimum)
9. 9
   Container Stuffing Location
10. 10
    Consolidator (stuffer)

Filing Deadlines

• 24 hours before loading at the foreign port (not 24 hours before arrival)
• Amendments allowed up to 24 hours before vessel arrival in the US
• ISF does NOT apply to air or truck shipments

Penalties for Non-Compliance

CBP can issue $5,000 liquidated damages per violation. Violations include late filing, inaccurate data, and failure to file entirely. Repeat offenders face increased scrutiny and potential holds on all future shipments. The cost of using a broker who guarantees same-day ISF filing is negligible compared to a single penalty.