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What is ISF filing

Updated: Apr 16, 2021

An Importer Security Filing (ISF), is a filing mandated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection of all ocean imports to the USA. ISF filing needs to be filed 24 hours before loading the goods from the last foreign port. Failure to file ISF may result in a $5,000 penalty by customs for non-compliance such as late ISF filing or erroneous information. This filing is designed to help the Department of Homeland Security and Border Protection to prescreen goods before arrival to the U.S. to protect against acts of terrorism and to ensure unlawful entry of goods are prevented.

ISF filing - Ocean Shipment

ISF filing deadline


ISF filing needs to be filed 24 hours before loading the goods from the last foreign port before departing to the U.S. For example, if you have a cargo ship from India to the U.S. Most likely it will transfer to a mother vessel in China port or Singapore port before departing to the U.S. ISF is required to be filed 24 hours before goods loaded onto the mother vessel for exporting to the U.S.



ISF filing deadline

Possible result of Late ISF filing


Below the lists of the possible result of late ISF filing. We recommend you consult with a licensed customs broker before you order your goods abroad.

  • $5,000 penalty assessed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection

  • Delay of loading goods in origin port

  • Delay of releasing goods at the destination port.

  • Customs exam at discharging port upon arrival

List of the required information to file ISF


Below are the information needed to complete the ISF filing

  1. Importer of record name and address - The individual or company that is responsible for importing goods into the U.S.

  2. Buyer Name and Address - The individual or company who paid for the importation of goods into the U.S.

  3. Sellers Name and Adress - The individual or company who sold the goods to the buyer

  4. Consignee Name and Adress - The individual or company who is responsible for goods

  5. Container Stuffing Location - The warehouse or location where the goods are loaded into the container

  6. Consolidator - The overseas freight forwarder who booked the goods to ship to the U.S.

  7. Ship to party - The individual or company who is receiving the goods in the U.S.

  8. Country of Origin - The origin country where goods are manufactured

  9. HTS Tariff code: The first 6 digit commodity tariff code

  10. Manufacturer Name and Address - The entity who manufactured the goods.


ISF filing form

Who is responsible for ISF filing?


The importer is required to submit ISF filing. The importer is the party who bought the goods from a foreign country. ISF importer is the owner, purchaser, consignee, or whoever has a financial interest in the goods.


ISF filing online


A licensed customs broker can file ISF electronically once complete information has been provided. ISF filing most of the time is completed on the same day.


ISF filing Cost

  1. ISF filing fee - standard fee $50.00

  2. Bond - Single ISF bond ($50.00) or Continuous bond ($550.00)


ISF bond


A Single ISF bond serves as a financial guarantee per one ISF filing that all the information provided to CBP is accurate and guarantees that the importer would pay customs duty on time. If not, CBP will request the bond company for duty payment that the importer has not been pay.

The continuous bond serves as a financial guarantee on all importer's ISF filing and entries for the full calendar year after the effective date.


Contact us below for free consultation: Fast Customs Clearance



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