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ISF or 10 + 2 or Importer Security Filing
How can GLC Help with an ISF?
GLC is a licensed customs broker so we are able to electronically submit specific advance cargo information to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency (CBP). This information is known as an ISF (Importer Security Filing) or more commonly know as 10 + 2. The information submitted in an ISF helps to improve the CBP’s ability to prevent smuggling, and/or identify what they may classify as high-risk shipments.
What type of shipments does an ISF apply to?
Shipments by ocean vessels are the only type of cargo which specifically needs an ISF. The ISF must be submitted by GLC prior to the goods being imported into the United States. This rule does not apply to other types of cargo (air freight, ground freight).
When does an ISF need to be filed?
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection require the ISF to be submitted no later than 24 hours prior to the cargo being loaded on to the ocean vessel destined to the United States.
What happens if you don’t file, or submit an incorrect ISF?
If an ISF is not filed or is submitted with inaccurate, incomplete, or not within the 24-hour loading limit, the CBP may issue liquidated damages of $5,000 per violation. This is why it’s important to use a trusted broker like GLC Inc., to create and submit an ISF.
What information is required for the ISF?
GLC will provide CBP with the eight required data elements within the specified time frame to make sure there aren’t any discrepancies with the CBP. These data points are as follows:
- Seller
- Buyer
- Importer of record number/FTZ applicant ID number
- Consignee Number
- Manufacturer or Supplier
- The Ship to Party
- Country or Origin
- Commodity Harmonized Tariff Schedule
There are two other data elements that are required to be submitted as early as possible making it 10 total data points to cover.
- Container stuffing location and
- Consolidator
Do I need an ISF if my shipment is classified as Transit Cargo?
Transit cargo: FROB (Freight remaining on board) IE (Immediate exportation) or TE (Transportation and Exportation)
The ISF for these items are electronically filed by GLC and are comprised of 5 data elements.
- Booking Party
- Foreign port of unlading
- Place of delivery
- Ship to party
- Commodity HTSUS number (Harmonized Tariff Schedule)
How do I find an agent who will file ISFs on my behalf?
GLC is a certified customs broker and will be able to help you file an ISF. When you’re importing merchandise for your own use it’s usually best to trust a reliable custom broker as the importing procedures can be complicated. If you’re an importer who wishes to receive consultation by a professional customs broker, GLC will be happy to help.
If we hire GLC Inc., to be our agent, do you have to be our agent for all of our ISF’s during a single year?
No, ISF is done on an individual basis and there isn’t a limit as to how many different agents an ISF importer may use during the course of a year.
Whether you’re an importer or someone bringing in merchandise on an ocean vessel for the first time, GLC Inc., can help with ISF as your customs broker as well as offer supply chain consulting, freight forwarding, air freight services, trucking services, ecommerce distribution/fulfillment and we also offer all-risk cargo insurance.
Take a look at all of our services, or request a free quote on your next shipment.