U.S. Customs ISF 10+2 Filing Requirement
On July 9, 2013, the ISF Filing requirement set forth by U.S. Customs is mandated to be in full enforcement. All ocean imports by containerized vessel and break bulk requires the ISF to be filed 24 hours before loading of goods destined to the United States. The ISF 10+2 Rule is designed to help the Department of Homeland Security and Border Protection to prescreen goods before arrival to the U.S. to safeguard against acts of terrorism and to ensure unlawful entry of goods are prevented.
The penalties set forth by U.S Customs is $5,000 for non compliance for shipments which have late ISF Filing, or erroneoous info.
While CBP may not issue fines for all cases, they do reserve the right to issue and is issued and determined at the port level.
If you have purchased goods from overeas to ship by ocean vessel, have your seller provide you all the required ISF information and shipping documents in order for the ISF to be filed 24 hours before loading. We strongly recommend all Importers to file as early as 3-5 days out and to give time to your customs broker to review all info and documents prior to the filing.
For importers who are behind to file their ISF, the ISF requirement from U.S. Customs is still required. While U.S. Customs does reserve the right to issue fines, the chances of penalty is significantly less if the importer takes appropriate action to get the ISF filed upon knowing the fact when late.
Possible penalties for late ISF Filing
1. $5,000-$10,000 penalty
2. Do not load message to overseas shipper
3. Customs exam at port upon arrival
4. Customs hold at port
Elements contained in ISF Filing (10+2)
1. Importer of Record Name and Address: The identitiy of the individual or business entity responsible for importing goods into the US.
2. Buyer Name and Address: The identitiy of the individual or business entity who paid for the importation of goods into the US.
3. Sellers Name and Address: The overseas entitiy who sold the goods to the US party.
4. Consignee Name and Address: The identitiy of the individual or business entity who is responsible for the goods into the US.
5. Container Stuffing Location: The overseas warehouse and location of where the goods where loaded into the container.
6. Consolidater: The overseas logisitcs company or freight forwarder who booked the goods to be shipped into the US
7. Ship To Name and Address: The location of where goods will go to upon clearance and release from US Customs.
8. Country of Origin: The origin country of where the goods where manufactured.
9. HTS Tariff Code: The commodity tariff code as assigned under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule for the goods imported.
10. Manufacturer Name and Address: The overseas entity of where the goods are manufactured.
U.S Customs and Border Protection Reference Links
1. https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security/importer-security-filing-102
2. https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1707?language=en_US