IMPORTER SECURITY FILING (ISF)

Importer Update - 10 + 2: What is it?

Pursuant to the Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has published on November 25, 2008, their Importer Security Filing (ISF) Interim Final Rule requiring importers and carriers to electronically submit additional information prior to export on all ocean cargo (other than bulk cargo) that will be arriving at a U.S. port of entry by vessel . The Security Filing, also known as “ 10 + 2 ,” is another step in the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) strategy to better assess and identify high-risk shipments to prevent terrorist weapons and materials from entering the United States .

Please refer to the following links for the complete rule and explanation of the required data elements:

www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/.../ra.pdf

www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1227548591399.shtm

The rule becomes effective January 26, 2009 with the Compliance Date set for January 26, 2010. Since every company has their own distinct business operations, it is imperative that importers research the required elements with your suppliers, forwarders, and customs brokers to accumulate this data in advance and implement an ISF procedure within the prescribed time constraints. Another important factor for importers to consider is the surety bond requirements that will be necessary as part of the ISF submission. Trans-Overseas Corporation is prepared to assist our clients in developing a customized ISF process that will meet the individual needs of your company.

Importer Requirements
The interim final rule requires Importers or their agents to provide eight data elements, generally no later than 24 hours before the cargo is laden aboard a vessel destined to the United States, for shipments consisting of goods intended to be entered into the United States and goods intended to be delivered to a foreign trade zone (FTZ). Those data elements include:

  • Seller;
  • Buyer ;
  • Importer of record number / FTZ applicant identification number;
  • Consignee number(s);
  • Manufacturer (or supplier);
  • Ship to party;
  • Country of origin ; and
  • Commodity Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) number.

The ISF will also need to include two data elements that must be submitted as early as possible, but no later than 24 hours prior to the ship's arrival at a U.S. port. These data elements are:

  • Container stuffing location; and
  • Consolidator

Trans-Overseas Corporation is pleased to offer to our customers the ability to submit all required ISF data elements that will also correlate with the entry summary data. We can either transmit a separate electronic filing of the ISF or in a combined transmission to include the ISF and CBP 3461 Entry. Please contact our office as soon as possible for assistance to insure your company is in compliance with the new ISF requirements.