Exploring The Types Of Importer Security Filing Information
So, you’ve recently entered the world of importing goods, and now you’re faced with this new concept called Importer Security Filing (ISF) information. But what exactly does that mean? Well, in a nutshell, ISF information is a crucial requirement set forth by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enhance maritime cargo security. It involves submitting certain details about your shipment before it arrives at the U.S. port of entry. But don’t worry, we’re here to break it down for you and explore the different types of ISF information you need to be aware of.
Importer Security Filing (ISF)
The Importer Security Filing (ISF) is a program created by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enhance the security of the international supply chain. It requires importers to provide certain information about their shipments to CBP before the goods are loaded onto vessels bound for the United States.
Definition
Importer Security Filing (ISF), also known as the 10+2 rule, is a document required by CBP for all ocean shipments entering the United States. It is an electronic filing that must be submitted by the importer or their authorized representative at least 24 hours before the vessel is loaded at the foreign port.
Purpose
The purpose of the Importer Security Filing is to enhance the CBP’s ability to identify high-risk shipments and prevent potential security threats. By requiring importers to provide detailed information about their shipments, CBP can better assess the risk associated with each container and take necessary actions to mitigate any potential security concerns.
Required Information
The Importer Security Filing requires the following information to be submitted:
- Manufacturer or supplier information: This includes the name and address of the manufacturer or supplier of the goods being shipped.
- Seller or supplier information: This includes the name and address of the seller or supplier of the goods being shipped.
- Shipper information: This includes the name and address of the entity responsible for packing or loading the goods into the shipping container.
- Consolidator information: This includes the name and address of the entity or person who consolidated the goods into the shipping container.
- Container stuffing location: This includes the name and address of the location where the goods were stuffed into the shipping container.
- Bill of lading information: This includes the vessel name, voyage number, and bill of lading number associated with the shipment.
- Importer of record number: This is a unique identification number assigned to the importer of record for the shipment.
- Consignee number: This is a unique identification number assigned to the consignee, who is the party to whom the goods are being shipped.
- Country of origin: This is the country where the goods were manufactured or produced.
- Commodity HTSUS number: This is the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) number assigned to the goods being shipped.
10+2 Rule
The 10+2 rule, also known as the Importer Security Filing (ISF) rule, is a requirement by CBP for importers to submit certain information about their shipments before they are loaded onto vessels bound for the United States.
Explanation
Under the 10+2 rule, importers are required to submit ten data elements, while the ocean carrier is responsible for submitting two additional pieces of information. This combined information helps CBP assess the security risk associated with each shipment and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the international supply chain.
Required Information
The importer must provide the following ten data elements:
- Manufacturer or supplier information
- Seller or supplier information
- Shipper information
- Consolidator information
- Container stuffing location
- Bill of lading information
- Importer of record number
- Consignee number
- Country of origin
- Commodity HTSUS number
The ocean carrier is responsible for providing the vessel stow plan and container status messages to CBP.
ISF-5
ISF-5 is a specific type of Importer Security Filing that is required for shipments consisting entirely of goods intended to be delivered to a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) or bonded warehouse.
Definition
The ISF-5 filing is an extension of the Importer Security Filing program and is used to provide additional information about shipments bound for FTZs or bonded warehouses.
Purpose
The purpose of ISF-5 is to facilitate the efficient movement of goods into FTZs and bonded warehouses while maintaining the security measures put in place by CBP.
Required Information
In addition to the standard information required for Importer Security Filings, the ISF-5 filing also requires the following information:
- FTZ identifier: This is the unique identification number assigned to the FTZ where the goods will be delivered.
- Bonded warehouse identifier: This is the unique identification number assigned to the bonded warehouse where the goods will be delivered.
- Warehouse entry number: This is the number assigned to the warehouse entry for the shipment.
ISF-10
ISF-10 is another specific type of Importer Security Filing that is required for shipments consisting entirely of goods intended to be transported under a Transportation and Exportation (T&E) entry.
Definition
The ISF-10 filing is an extension of the Importer Security Filing program and is used to provide additional information about shipments transported under T&E entries.
Purpose
The purpose of ISF-10 is to ensure the security of goods being transported under T&E entries, which involve the movement of goods from one US port to another without entering the commerce of the United States.
Required Information
In addition to the standard information required for Importer Security Filings, the ISF-10 filing also requires the following information:
- In-bond number: This is the unique identification number assigned to the in-bond movement of the goods.
- Arrival location and date: This includes the port of arrival and the expected date of arrival for the T&E shipment.
Bill of Lading Information
The Bill of Lading (B/L) is an important document in the shipping industry that serves as evidence of the contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier.
Importance
The Bill of Lading information is an essential part of the Importer Security Filing because it provides crucial details about the shipment. It includes the vessel name, voyage number, and bill of lading number, which help CBP track the movement of goods and verify the information provided by the importer.
Required Information
The following Bill of Lading information is required for the Importer Security Filing:
- Vessel name: This is the name of the vessel that will transport the goods.
- Voyage number: This is the unique identification number assigned to the specific voyage of the vessel.
- Bill of lading number: This number uniquely identifies the Bill of Lading and provides critical information about the shipment.
Shipper Information
Shipper information refers to the details of the entity responsible for packaging or loading the goods into the shipping container.
Definition
The shipper is the party who is responsible for preparing, packaging, and properly loading the goods into the shipping container for transportation.
Required Information
The Importer Security Filing requires the following shipper information:
- Shipper name: This is the legal name of the shipper who is responsible for the shipment.
- Shipper address: This is the physical address of the shipper or the location from which the goods were shipped.
Manufacturer Information
Manufacturer information refers to the details of the entity or entities involved in the production or manufacturing of the goods being shipped.
Definition
The manufacturer is the party or parties that produced or manufactured the goods being shipped.
Required Information
The Importer Security Filing requires the following manufacturer information:
- Manufacturer name: This is the legal name of the manufacturer or the entity that produced or manufactured the goods.
- Manufacturer address: This is the physical address of the manufacturer or the location where the goods were produced or manufactured.
Seller or Supplier Information
Seller or supplier information refers to the details of the entity from whom the goods were purchased or supplied.
Definition
The seller or supplier is the party or parties from whom the goods were purchased or supplied for shipment.
Required Information
The Importer Security Filing requires the following seller or supplier information:
- Seller or supplier name: This is the legal name of the seller or supplier from whom the goods were purchased or supplied.
- Seller or supplier address: This is the physical address of the seller or supplier or the location from where the goods were supplied.
Consolidator Information
Consolidator information refers to the details of the entity or person who consolidated the goods into the shipping container.
Definition
The consolidator is the party or person responsible for combining smaller shipments or goods from different suppliers into a single shipping container.
Required Information
The Importer Security Filing requires the following consolidator information:
- Consolidator name: This is the legal name of the consolidator who combined the goods into the shipping container.
- Consolidator address: This is the physical address of the consolidator or the location where the goods were consolidated.
Container Stuffing Location
Container stuffing location refers to the details of the physical location where the goods were loaded or stuffed into the shipping container.
Definition
The container stuffing location is the place where the process of loading or stuffing the goods into the shipping container takes place.
Required Information
The Importer Security Filing requires the following container stuffing location information:
- Container stuffing location name: This is the name or identification of the location where the goods were loaded or stuffed into the shipping container.
- Container stuffing location address: This is the physical address of the container stuffing location or the place where the goods were loaded or stuffed.
