What Is ISF Filing? The 10+2 Rule for Ocean Imports Explained

ISF (Importer Security Filing), commonly called the 10+2 rule, is a mandatory electronic submission that US importers must file with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for all ocean cargo shipments. The importer provides 10 data elements, and the ocean carrier provides 2 additional elements — hence "10+2." The ISF must be filed at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel at the foreign port, not 24 hours before arrival. Missing this deadline can result in a $5,000 penalty per violation, cargo holds, and intensive examinations. ISF applies to virtually all containerized ocean freight entering the United States.

The 10 Importer Data Elements

The importer of record (or their customs broker) must provide the following 10 data elements:

1. Seller (name and address) — The entity that sold the goods or last known seller in the supply chain.
2. Buyer (name and address) — The entity purchasing the goods, typically the US importer.
3. Importer of record number — The IRS EIN or CBP-assigned number of the US entity responsible for the entry.
4. Consignee number — Usually the same as the importer of record, unless goods are being shipped to a different party.
5. Manufacturer (or supplier) — The entity that made or assembled the goods. This must be the actual factory, not the trading company.
6. Ship-to party — The physical location where the goods will be delivered in the US.
7. Country of origin — Where the goods were manufactured or produced (not where they shipped from).
8. Commodity HTS number — The 6-digit (minimum) HS code for the goods. A 10-digit HTS code is recommended for accuracy.
9. Container stuffing location — The physical address where the goods were loaded into the container.
10. Consolidator (stuffer) — The entity that loaded the goods into the container.

The 2 Carrier Data Elements

1. Vessel stow plan — A complete plan of where containers are placed on the ship, submitted to CBP 48 hours before arrival.
2. Container status messages — Real-time tracking data on each container's status throughout the voyage.

Filing Deadlines

The ISF must be filed no later than 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel at the foreign port of lading. For FROB (Foreign Remaining on Board) cargo and IE (Immediate Export) cargo, the deadline is 24 hours before arrival at the first US port. Amendments are allowed after filing but must be submitted before the ship arrives at the US port. Late filings, inaccurate data, or missing ISFs can trigger $5,000 liquidated damages per violation.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• $5,000 liquidated damages per ISF violation — This applies to late filings, inaccurate filings, and failures to file.
• Cargo holds — CBP can place a hold on your container, preventing delivery until the ISF issue is resolved. Storage charges accumulate at $150-$300 per day.
• Intensive examination — CBP may select your container for physical exam, costing $1,000-$5,000 in exam fees plus delays of 5-15 business days.
• Increased targeting — Repeated ISF violations put your shipments on CBP's radar, increasing the likelihood of future exams and delays.

ISF vs. Entry Filing: What's the Difference?

The ISF is a security filing — its purpose is to give CBP advance intelligence about what's on the vessel before it reaches US waters. The customs entry (Form 3461/7501) is a separate process where you declare the goods for import, pay duties, and classify products under HTS codes. The ISF is filed before loading; the entry is filed when goods arrive. Both are mandatory. You cannot file an entry without a valid ISF on record. The ISF bond is typically included in your continuous customs bond.

Does ISF Apply to Air and Truck Shipments?

No. ISF only applies to ocean cargo entering the United States by vessel. Air shipments are covered by the Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) program, which requires advance data from air carriers and freight forwarders. Truck shipments from Canada and Mexico are covered by ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) e-manifest requirements. If you ship by ocean, ISF is mandatory. If you ship by air or land, different advance data programs apply.

Best Practices for ISF Filing

• File early — Don't wait until the last minute. File as soon as you have the booking confirmation and supplier data.
• Get accurate manufacturer info — CBP cares about the actual factory, not the trading company. Ask your supplier for the manufacturer's full name and address.
• Use the correct HTS codes — An inaccurate HS code on the ISF can flag your shipment for examination. Use at least 6 digits; 10 digits is better.
• Work with your customs broker — Most brokers file ISFs as part of their service. Ensure they have all data at least 72 hours before vessel loading.
• Keep records — ISF records must be retained for 5 years, just like entry records.

How Camtom Helps with ISF Compliance

Camtom's AI-powered classification engine ensures your HTS codes are accurate before the ISF is filed, reducing the risk of CBP holds and examinations. Our platform helps importers and brokers identify the correct 6- and 10-digit codes with 95% accuracy, validate country of origin data, and maintain consistent classification across all shipments. Instead of scrambling for data at the last minute, you can automate the classification step and focus on the logistics.

Ready to streamline your import compliance? Try Camtom's free tariff lookup tool or schedule a demo to see how AI classification can make ISF filing faster and more accurate.