GlossaryCustoms and trade
ISF (Importer Security Filing)
Advance cargo data, often called 10+2, that must be filed with U.S. customs before ocean freight is loaded for the U.S.
The Importer Security Filing (ISF) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirement for ocean shipments arriving in the United States. It is often called "10+2" because the importer provides 10 data elements and the ocean carrier provides 2.
The importer's data includes the seller, buyer, manufacturer, ship-to party, country of origin, HTS codes, container stuffing location and consolidator. The filing is due at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded on the vessel at the foreign port.
ISF applies to ocean freight only, not to air or parcel shipments. Late or inaccurate filings can lead to penalties and holds, and a customs bond is needed to file.
Learn more in our Cross-border shipping articles.
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