10+2 Importer Security Filing

Importer Security Filing (ISF) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulation that effects reporting requirements for ocean shipments entering the United States. Commonly referred to as “10+2” for the number of the data elements required, ISF regulations require importers and Vessel Operating Carriers to submit specific information pertaining to ocean cargo electronically to CBP for in-bound ocean shipments. ISF improves CBP’s ability to recognize high-risk shipments in advance to entering the country in order to ensure the safety of America’s borders.  The targeted cargo screening initiative was developed to help prevent high-risk shipments from being transported to the United States and is fully enforced by CBP.

Two types of filing:

10+2, the importer is ultimately responsible for the filing. It is imperative that the ten ISF data elements are completed timely and accurately in order to fully comply with the regulations. The Vessel Operating Carrier is responsible for an additional two elements, which are the vessel stow plan and container status messages.

ISF-5 is a separate and distinct data reporting requirement for shipments that are transiting the United States but not remaining in the country, and requires the importer to file five data elements.

What does it mean to me?

All ISF filings are to be done electronically and corrections and updates must be made before the goods enter the limits of a U.S. port. Only the party who submitted the original filing may make changes.

ISF-5 applies to foreign cargo remaining on board. Foreign Remaining On Board (FROB) filings are required for freight on board a vessel that will dock in the United States before moving to foreign port of destination or freight that will move in-bond through the United States to a foreign destination. This type of ISF filing requires five data elements and must be filed by the ISF importer prior to lading. For the purposes of the FROB filing, the importer of record is construed to be the carrier.

Per CBP, failure to comply with these regulations will result in amendments to the importers bond conditions, including the issuing of liquidated damages up to $5,000 USD per violation, with a maximum of $10,000 USD per shipment. CBP can assess these damages on late or inaccurate ISF filings.

Here at AFC International, we are committed to assisting you in your compliance efforts by offering ISF solutions for your International goods. With more than 25 years of experience working with clients on behalf of customs imports worldwide, we are prepared to coordinate customs clearance at the border.

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