Importer Security Filing

The Importer Security Filing, commonly called ISF or "10+2," is a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirement that importers submit advance shipment data for ocean cargo bound for the United States. The filing is due at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel at origin.

The "10+2" refers to the data elements: the importer submits 10 data fields (seller, buyer, manufacturer, ship-to party, container stuffing location, consolidator, HS code, country of origin, and two more), and the carrier submits 2 (vessel stow plan and container status messages).

Penalties for late or inaccurate filings start at $5,000 per infraction and can escalate. CBP can also delay or hold the container on arrival.

Who files

The importer of record is responsible. In practice, most importers delegate the filing to a licensed customs broker. Freight forwarders with in-house brokerage capability often handle ISF directly; others work with partner brokers.

Common mistakes

• HS code mismatch between the ISF and the entry summary. The filings need to match.
• Missing container stuffing location. This is the physical address where the container was packed — not the shipper's office.
• Late filing due to late booking confirmation. If the carrier confirmation arrives less than 24 hours before loading, the ISF window has closed.

The best defense is early classification and an automated filing trigger when the booking is confirmed — not a manual check 36 hours before vessel cut-off.