ISF Filing (10+2) for Ocean Imports, Filed Before the Deadline
Your Importer Security Filing is due to CBP 24 hours before your cargo is loaded onto the vessel overseas. Miss it, file it wrong, or file it late and you are looking at liquidated damages up to $5,000 per shipment. We collect the data, file through ACE, and confirm acceptance so your container is not the one flagged for a hold.
What ISF (10+2) Actually Is
ISF, or Importer Security Filing, is a data set CBP requires on ocean cargo before it ever leaves the foreign port. It is called 10+2 because you, the importer, are responsible for 10 data elements and the ocean carrier provides 2. Your ten cover the who and what of the shipment: seller, buyer, importer of record and consignee numbers, manufacturer or supplier, ship-to party, country of origin, the HTSUS classification, and the container stuffing location and consolidator. The carrier files the vessel stow plan and container status messages.
The whole point is that CBP wants to assess risk before the box is on the water, not when it shows up at the Port of San Diego or Long Beach. That is why the clock runs 24 hours before lading, not on arrival. Get it in late or with the wrong data and the consequences are real: liquidated damages up to $5,000 per violation, cargo holds, and in the worst case a no-load message that keeps your freight sitting at origin. ISF applies only to ocean freight. Cargo crossing at Otay Mesa by truck does not need it, but your containerized imports absolutely do.
What’s included
- ✓ All 10 importer data elements collected, verified, and filed on your behalf
- ✓ Filing transmitted through ACE and matched to your bill of lading and booking
- ✓ On-time submission at least 24 hours before your cargo is laden aboard the vessel
- ✓ HTSUS classification support so the tariff number on the ISF is correct, not a guess
- ✓ ISF bond coverage arranged, or filed under your existing continuous bond
- ✓ ISF-5 handling for FROB, immediate exportation, and transit cargo when it applies
- ✓ Acceptance confirmation and monitoring for CBP holds or requests for correction
- ✓ Amendments filed promptly when supplier, routing, or container details change
How we handle it
Send us the shipment details
Commercial invoice, packing list, booking, and bill of lading. If a data element is missing we tell you exactly what we need and where it usually comes from.
We verify and classify
We confirm the parties, the country of origin, and the HTSUS number so the filing matches reality. Bad data is what triggers penalties, so we check before we transmit.
We file through ACE
Your ISF goes to CBP at least 24 hours before the container is loaded at the foreign port, tied to your bill of lading and bond.
We confirm and monitor
You get proof of acceptance. If CBP flags the shipment or details change, we file the amendment and keep your entry moving.