You must file necessary united states custom form when shipping to USA.
Among that, ISF filling is one of the most important process.
In this post, I’m going to show you everything about isf , including :
- Definition
- Elements
- Penalties
- ISF vs AMS
- Cost
- more
Let’s get started.
What is ISF ?
ISF, stands for Importer Security Filing, required by the United States Customs and Border Protection (CPB) for containerized cargo imports.
ISF information must be be filed with CPB 24 hours prior to vessel sailing from origin port to US.
Known as “10+2” document, ISF requires importers to provide 10 data elements to CBP and 2 other documents from the shipping carrier.
Interpretation
- ISF filing is applicable to import containerized shipments to US only, it’s not required for shipments to other countries.
- ISF is required for FCL and LCL ocean shipments. An Importer Security Filing is not required for bulk cargo , air cargo and courier parcel.
- ISF must be filed timely, completely and accurately by importers.
What will happen if ISF Filing failed ?
ISF data must be filed and submitted in an accurate and timely manner.
Failure to do ( No file, wrongly filed, or later than requested ) so may result in severe penalty.
If it has not been filed succeeded, isf filing penalty of up to US$5,000 can be incurred.
What’s more, CBP may withhold the release or transfer of the cargo, inspections and cargo delays can apply.
The 10+2 data elements
Importer Security Filing consists of two separate transmissions to U.S. Customs:
- 10 pieces of information from supplier or importer
- 2 data sets to be supplied by the carrier
Importers (or their freight broker) are responsible for the 10 additional data elements while carriers will need to submit 2 of the remaining data elements.
These together constitute the so-called ISF 10+2.
Data from the importer or supplier:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Seller | The name and address of the last known entity that sold the products or that agreed to sell the products. |
| Manufacturer/Supplier | The name and address of the entity that last manufactured, assembled, produced, or grew the commodity, or, the name and address of the supplier of the finished goods in the country from which the goods are leaving. |
| Buyer | The name and address of the last known entity to buy the products or who agreed to buy the products. |
| Consignee | The Internal Revenue Service number, Employer Identification number, Social Security number or CBP-assigned number of the individual(s) or firm(s) in the United States on whose account the merchandise is being shipped. This element is the same as the “consignee number” element on the CBP form 3461. |
| Consolidator | The name and address of the party who stuffed the container or arranged for the stuffing of the container. If the manufacturer is the party that stuffed the container or arranged for stuffing, then the manufacturer is considered to be the consolidator (stuffer). |
| Stuffing Location | The name and address(es) of the physical location(s) where the products were stuffed into the container. For break bulk shipments, the name and address(es) of the physical location(s) where the goods were made “ship ready” must be provided. When a container is stuffed at more than one location, all of the stuffing locations listed on the bill of lading must be provided. |
| Country of origin | The country where the products were manufactured, produced or grown. This element is the same as the “country of origin” element on the CBP form 3461. |
| Importer of Record | The Internal Revenue Service number, Employer Identification number, Social Security number or CBP-assigned number for the entity is responsible for the goods entering the limits of a U.S. port. The importer may or may not be the importer of record for the Customs entry, and may also be the owner, purchaser, consignee or agent. |
| Ship-to | The name and address of the first “deliver-to” party scheduled to physically receive the goods after they have been released from Customs custody. The party physically receiving the goods must be provided and not an entity that merely owns the facility. |
| Harmonized Tariff Schedule number | 6-digit level – The duty/statistical reporting number under which the article is classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The HTSUS number is required to be provided to the 6 digit level, however, it may be provided up to the 10 digit level. |
Data from the carrier:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Carrier Information 1 | Vessel stow plan (includes vessel name, operator, container position, stow position, etc.). |
| Carrier Information 2 | Container status messages for all the events of that shipment. |
Besides that, The B/L number is required as part of the ISF filing.
- MBL Number and SCAC
- AMS HBL# and SCAC
ISF must be matched to B/L, otherwise, cargo shipments will be marked with a failure to file ISF status.
Who is responsible for filing the isf ?
Always keep that in mind that ultimate responsibility for ISF and correctness of the data rests with importer.
Typically, the ISF Importer is the goods’ owner, purchaser, or consignee.
If you are now shipping from China to US, be aware of ISF.
The good news is you will be free from the filing process if you using port to door service.
A reliable China freight forwarder and their US agent partner will coordinate and handle it for you.
Need Assistance ?
That’s all for ISF filing topic.
In short, filing it successed and timely for your FCL and LCL shipments to US.
Now, I would like to hear from you :
Have you failed to do ISF before vessel sailing from China ?
Whether ISF filing is still required if your FCL container shipments are to US Amazon warehouse ?
Either way, just let me know by leaving a comment below.
If you meet other questions of shipping, FreightPaul term is here to help.
Contact us today to inquire about our services.
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