ISF, or Importer Security Filing, is a United States regulation for importing goods. ISF may also be known as 10+2. An ISF worksheet must be issued to an importer’s U.S. customs broker in order to assure that imported goods meet regulations. This form must reach the customs broker 48 hours before imported goods ship to the U.S. An ISF form must also include these elements to be filled out properly: Seller name and address Buyer name and address Manufacturer / supplier name and address “Ship to” name and address Consolidator name and address Country of origin Ultimate Consignee EIN or IRS number I mporter of record EIN or IRS number Container stuffing location HTSUS number House bill of lading number Master bill of lading number What Happens if Guidelines Aren’t Met? If an ISF doesn’t reach a U.S. customs broker 48 hours before shipping time or doesn’t have the required elements, there is a possibility of fines and penalties. Depending on the violation, the fine or penalty will become more severe for failing to meet these requirements. Due to increased instances of violations, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has eliminated some of the previous protections for importers who fail to meet ISF. No longer are importers granted: The three strikes rule Consideration of liquidated damages by CBP Extended issuance for liquidated damages (must be issued by port before 90 days) Fines and Penalties As well as less lenience by the CBP, importers may accrue fines and penalties for not meeting ISF requirements. Per shipment fines can reach up to a maximum of $10,000. These fines include: Not filing an ISF: $5,000 per shipment Late filing of ISF: $5,000 per shipment Not withdrawing an ISF: $5,000 per shipment Non-matching bill of lading: $5,000 per shipment Incomplete form: $5,000 per shipment Options to Reduce Penalties Fortunately for many importers, the CBP has allowed for reduced penalties under certain circumstances. Many first-time offenders can reduce their fine between $1,000 and $2,000. However, an importer’s circumstances will heavily influence whether they get a reduction or not and the extent of that reduction. Another point to note is that fines will never be reduced if CBP determines that laws were intentionally broken or an importer purposely didn’t file an ISF on time.

The U.S. considers imported goods to be products, and sometimes services, that are brought from one jurisdiction into another. Imported goods must cross the national border of a country. The federal regulatory body that oversees imported goods and their transactions in the U.S. is Customs and Border Protection, or CBP. Importing goods into the U.S. may seem like a difficult task because of all the rules and regulations. However, importing is not as difficult as it seems. There are a few basic guidelines you must follow in order to import goods appropriately. First Steps to Importing One of the very first steps of becoming an importer is to consider whether or not you will need a permit or license to import your goods. The best way to do this is to check the guidelines of the CBP on their website . It’s important to note that even though CBP may not require an importer to have a license or permit to import certain goods, other agencies may require them. You may also need a local or state license as well. Finally, we will need to fill out CBP entry forms within 15 days of the day your imports will arrive. These forms will require your IRS business registration number, or your social security number if you don’t own a business. Regulations There are a few regulations you must become familiar with before importing goods into the U.S. One of these regulations set out by the CBP is Importer Security Filing (ISF). ISF may also be known as “10+2” as well. ISF is only required for ocean imports. It requires an importer to file a form with CBP 24 hours before imported goods leave their last origin point. Failure to do so could require the imported to pay up to $10,000 in fines per shipment. Is There an Easier Way to Import Goods? For first time importers, there is a way to take the stress out of importing goods. Many first time importers hire a U.S. customs broker that will handle all the paperwork and filing needed to import goods. U.S. custom brokers guide an importer through the importing process, including regulations, customs laws, and tariffs. If you’re a first time importer, contact us for our website for more help .