Terminology Explained

ISF Filing – The  Importer Security Filing (ISF), commonly known as the “10+2” initiative, is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulation that requires importers and vessel operating carriers to provide advance shipment information to CBP for U.S.-bound ocean cargo.  The goal is to identify high-risk cargo that may need additional examinations.

To be in full compliance, U.S. importers must provide an additional ten data elements (see below) to their appointed freight forwarder 24 hours before the vessel is loaded at port of origin.  Failure to comply could lead to damages ranging from $5,000 to $100,000.  

1. Importer of Record Number:  Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Employer Identification Number (EIN), Social Security Number (SSN), or CBP assigned number of the entity liable for payment of the duties and responsible for meeting requirements incurred as a result of importation.
2. Consignee Numbers:  Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Employer Identification Number (EIN), Social Security Number (SSN), or CBP assigned number of the individual(s) or firm(s) in the United States on whose account the merchandise is shipped.
3. Seller Name & Address:  Name and address of the last known entity by whom the goods are sold or agreed to be sold.
4. Buyer Name & Address:  Name and address of the last known entity to whom the goods are sold or agreed to be sold.
5. Ship to Name & Address:  Name and address of the first deliver-to party scheduled to physically receive the goods after the goods have been released from customs custody.
6. Manufacturer Name & Address:  Name and address of the supplier of the finished goods in the country from which the goods are leaving.
7. Country of Origin:  Country of manufacture.
8. Commodity HTS Code:  The number under which the commodity is classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.  This is the 10-Digit H.S. code per U.S. Customs Tariff.
9. Container Stuffing Location:  Name and address of the physical location where the goods were stuffed into the container.
10. Consolidator Name & Address:  Name and address of the party who stuffed the container or arranged for the stuffing of the container.

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