An important notice to all of our readers: we want to remind you that importers can expect U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) full enforcement of Importer Security Filing/10+2 rules, as enacted on July 9, 2013.

CBP’s Security Filing regulation, commonly known as the 10+2 initiative, requires that importers and vessel operating carriers provide additional advance information on non-bulk cargo shipments arriving into the United States by cargo vessel.

Importer Security Filing

An automated 10+2 solution takes electronic data, sent from supply chain partners, and maps it to the requested data elements required by CBP. The filing of this information is known by CBP as the Importer Security Filing. With an automated solution, importers utilize the software to:

• Access trading partners and view/edit their information

• Load data from electronic files or allow for manual entry of data

• Notify users automatically when work needs to be completed for filing purposes

• Connect to CBP, allowing the importer to file the ISF

• Validate classification data for all filings before transmitting to CBP

• Designate fields to automatically populate with consistent data across all filings for a company

• Track the events of a shipment and coinciding ISF data elements triggered by those events

The importer is ultimately responsible for filing the required data elements or trusting a third party, such as a broker or a Freight forwarder, to submit the appropriate product information.

Under these rules, importers or their agents are required to file 10 specific data elements no later than 24 hours before cargo is laden aboard any cargo vessel destined to the United States.

The 10 data elements importers are expected to transmit electronically are:

1. Manufacturer’s (or supplier's) name and address

2. Seller’s name and address

3. Buyer’s name and address

4. Ship-to name and address

5. Container stuffing location

6. Consolidator (stuffer) name

7. Importer’s IRS number

8. Consignee’s IRS number

9. Country of origin

10. Harmonized tariff number

Failure to file complete filing in an accurate and timely manner under 19 CFR 149 will result in liquidated damage cases against the ISF importers for non-compliance.  Assessment of liquidated damage claims for ISF violations will be issued in the amount of $5,000.00 per violation.

Vessel operating carrier requirements

Carriers need to submit the following:

1. Vessel Stowage Plans (or BAPLIEs)

2. Container Status Messages (CSM)

Carriers also need to file 5 additional data elements for shipments consisting of foreign cargo remaining on board (FROB), or intended to be transported in-bond as an immediate exportation (IE), or for transportation and exportation (T&E).  The five data elements are:

1. Booking part name & address

2. Foreign port of unloading

3. Place of delivery

4. Ship to name & address

5. Commodity HTSUS number.  

Now is the time to work with your shippers to ensure that your supply chain is running smoothly and your ISF process is securely in place. If you have doubts about your current service provider or would like to outsource the task, then please contact your local ETC International Freight System (www.etcinternational.com) and we can discuss options and introduce our ISF service to you.

Importer Security Filing Process

At ETC International, our overseas shipping container network has been serving companies in need of commercial and industrial cargo imports since 1984. With nearly 30 years experience in overseas import and export container shipping, we have an expert understanding of all the ins-and-outs of commercial ocean vessel transport. As a result, we are able to provide invaluable information to our commercial clients to help them make the most of their shipping dollars. We provide all the details a company needs to import and export consumer goods and industrial distributions.

We are happy to discuss your ISF service options, and make recommendations based on your individual business needs. We can also provide a convenient online rate quote for shipping services and answer any questions you may have regarding the process.

To request your rate quote or submit questions online, click the button below: