As advancements in transportation expand, the demarcation of international boundaries have gradually blurred. Hence, the recent years have seen countries emphasizing more on border security and for importers/exporters to understand how to complete the necessary security filing processes. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the United States incorporated the Importer Security Filing (10+2) requirement in 2009, demanding shippers to submit cargo information for security purposes. One detail to keep in mind is that US-bound and transit cargos are required to submit different data elements. US-bound cargo is required to submit 10 data elements (ISF-10) while transit cargo only needs 5 (ISF-5). To submit your ISF perfectly, you simply have to follow 3 steps: Step 1. Prepare required ISF information (with full list of items) Step 2. Look for a certified software partner to file your ISF Step 3. Follow up on your ISF status The first step of the ISF requires you to have all necessary information. Importers or their agents must collect the needed information from different parties prior to the actual filing.

Step 1. Prepare the information required for the ISF

10 Information items need to be submitted for ISF-10 no later than 24 hours prior to lading

• Manufacturer (name and address)
• Seller (name and address)
• Buyer (name and address)
• Container stuffing location*
• Consolidator*
• Importer of record number / FTZ applicant identification number
• Consignee number
• Ship to party (name and address)
• Country of origin
• Commodity Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) Number

*Note that container stuffing location and consolidator need to be submitted no later than 24 hours before the vessel arrives at a U.S port.

5 information items to be submitted for ISF-5 no later than 24 hours prior to lading

• Booking party (name/address)
• Ship to party
• Commodity HTS-6
• Foreign port of unlading
• Place of delivery

The operating carriers also have to submit 2 additional information items as shown below.

2 data elements to be submitted by the carrier no later than 48 hours after departure

• Vessel stow plan
• Container Status Messages

All types of ISF must have the lowest bill of lading number to be referred to the AMS system

Step 2. Look for a certified partner and file your ISF online

After collecting all the necessary information, it is time to fill out the form and submit the filing! Filings must be done through an electronic form,  so importers or freight forwarders should look for software providers with portals connected to the CBP system to submit the IFS. However, a good software will not merely serve as a connection between importers and the government. It can also serve the following functions:

• Allowing users to import or manually input the required information
• Double-checking if the information is incorrect or missing
• Providing operation and CBP logs and ISF status for tracking purposes

Step 3. Check the status of your filing

After submitting your ISF online, it is essential to keep track of your ISF status. If the information in your ISF matches that of AMS, the CBP will accept your ISF without any problems. Although, if there is any missing or inaccurate information in your ISF, the CBP may reject your ISF, resulting in unwanted complications, such as a monetary penalty of $5,000, detention, inspection, and delay of cargo. Following our guide will allow you to successfully submit your ISF without issues. Among freight forwarding software, GoFreight is the preferred platform as it allows for easy online submission directly to the CBP from GoFreight’s portal. Moreover, GoFreight’s all-in-0ne software solution helps you save time & money on each shipping transaction as you no longer have to go through third-parties. Schedule a demo today!

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