ISF, Importer Security Filing - Shipping to the United States

ISF (Importer Security Filing)

ISF is composed of 10 data elements which are required to be sent to US Customs on all import shipments arriving via sea-freight into the United States. Importer Security Filing, ISF (10+2) became mandatory January 26th 2010. This information is in addition to and distinct from the AMS data elements that the Steamship lines are required to file with US Customs.

ISF filings must be done prior to your shipment being on board the vessel at its origin point. A few items may be updated in transit; however, it is incumbent on the US Importer to ensure that the filings are done timely and correctly.Failing to or incorrect filing may lead to penalty of USD5000.

To file ISF and/or Customs Entries on your behalf, a few requirements must be met:

1. Power of Attorney

2. Non-refundable customs bonds (Continuous Customs Bond holders do not need a separate bond for ISF)

3. Contact your overseas partners

IMPORTER SECURITY FILING (10+2) QUICK FACTS

Importer of Record is ultimately responsible for filing

Mandatory for all Imports by Sea Freight (as of Jan 2010)

Penalties: $5000 per shipment

Customs Power of Attorney Required

ISF Customs Bond Required

ISF must be filed no less than 24 hours prior to your shipment loading on board the vessel overseas

ISF and Customs Clearance are separate transactions

No ISF filing is required for air or road freight shipments

Shipments without ISF data on file may be issued "DO NOT LOAD" messages at origin

10+2 DATA ELEMENTS REQUIRED FOR ISF FILING

Supplier or Manufacturer

Seller

Consolidator/Forwarder

Container Stuffing Location

Importer of Record or FTZ Applicant

Buyer

Ship to Party/Consignee Number

AMS Waybill Number

HTS Number

Country of Origin

Vessel & Voyage

AMS B/L No.

Should you have any further questions about shipping to the United States from China, mail us or contact our online customer service.