What is Importer Security Filing (ISF)

The ISF (commonly known as the “10+2”) is a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulation that requires importers and vessel operating carriers to provide additional advance trade data to CBP that went into effect on January 26, 2009.

The ISF is require to be filed 24 hours prior to the mother vessel leave the origin port.

CBP may issue liquidated damages of $5,000 per violation for the submission of an inaccurate, incomplete or untimely filing.

Who is Responsible for the Filing?

The ISF Importer is required to submit the Importer Security Filing. The ISF Importer is the party causing the goods to arrive within the limits of a port in the United States by vessel. Typically, the ISF Importer is the goods’ owner, purchaser, consignee, or agent such as a licensed customs broker.