IMPORT SECURITY FILING (“ISF”)

Commonly referred to as the Import Security Filing (“ISF”), this regulation promulgated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires that certain data on ocean imports be electronically transmitted by the importer or their customs broker to CBP before cargo destined for the U.S. is laden on a vessel. There are two types of ISFs, an ISF-5 and an ISF-10 (“10+2”). Much like customs entries, a single transaction or continuous bond is required for ISF transactions.

ISF-5

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ISF-5 filings apply to foreign cargo that remains on board (“Foreign Remaining On Board” (“FROB”)) a vessel that will dock at a U.S. port before continuing on to a foreign port of call, or freight that will be moving in-bond through the U.S. to a foreign destination.

ISF-10 (“10+2”)

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ISF 10 (“10+2”) requires data to be transmitted to CBP no less than 24 hours prior to loading of the vessel for containerized freight, and 24 hours prior to arrival at the port of discharge for break bulk shipments. Importers of break bulk cargo are exempt from filing ISFs.