When To File ISF For Full Strip Eyelashes
?Are you clear on when to file your ISF for full strip eyelashes and what could happen if you miss the deadline?
When To File ISF For Full Strip Eyelashes
This article helps you understand when to file the Importer Security Filing (ISF) for full strip eyelashes shipped by ocean to the United States. You’ll get a start-to-finish process, compliance tips, edge cases, and what documentation you should have ready.
What ISF Is and Why It Matters
You need to know that ISF (often called “10+2”) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirement for ocean shipments entering the U.S. It’s designed to provide advance cargo information to help identify high-risk shipments. Filing correctly avoids penalties and delays, which is critical when you sell beauty products like full strip eyelashes with tight launch schedules.
When Exactly To File
You must file the ISF at least 24 hours prior to the vessel’s departure from the foreign port for shipments arriving by vessel to the U.S. That means you don’t wait until the goods are on a plane or at a U.S. port — the filing is timed relative to the vessel leaving the foreign port. If you’re shipping on a container that will be consolidated, be aware the 24-hour clock still applies.
Required Data Elements (10 + 2) — What You Must Provide
You or your agent must submit the full set of ISF elements. The 10 importer data elements generally include seller, buyer, importer of record number, consignee number, manufacturer (or supplier), ship-to party, country of origin, HTSUS commodity number, container stuffing location, and consolidator name. Carriers provide two additional elements. Make sure the data is complete and consistent with the B/L and commercial invoice.
- Seller (Name and address)
- Buyer (Name and address)
- Importer of record number (or FTZ applicant number)
- Consignee number
- Manufacturer or supplier (Name and address)
- Ship-to party (if different)
- Country of origin
- HTSUS commodity number
- Container stuffing location (where stuffed)
- Consolidator (Name and address)
- Carrier-provided vessel stow plan (carrier element)
- Container status messages (carrier element)
Step-by-Step User Journey: From Order to Customs Release
You should follow a clear sequence to avoid mistakes:
- Place order with supplier and confirm production timeline.
- Obtain full supplier and manufacturer details early.
- Book space with the carrier and confirm vessel schedule.
- Share accurate commercial invoice and packing list with your customs broker.
- File ISF at least 24 hours before vessel departure from foreign port.
- Track container status and coordinate arrival paperwork.
- Complete entry summary and pay duties, if applicable, for release.
If you keep this flow, you’ll minimize last-minute scrambles and potential holds.
Edge Cases You Need to Watch For
There are several situations that complicate ISF compliance, and you should plan ahead.
- Consolidations: If your eyelashes are packed into a consolidated container with other buyers’ goods, you still need to ensure your ISF is filed on time and with correct stuffing location details.
- Split shipments: If cartons are split across containers, file ISFs for each applicable booking or work with your agent to ensure all containers are covered.
- Returns and repairs: If goods are returned from the U.S. for repair and then re-imported, clarify whether ISF is required based on the movement and whether it’s immediate exportation or another exempt category.
- Express vs ocean: Remember ISF is for ocean imports. If you ship by air or courier, ISF doesn’t apply but other entry and advance manifest requirements might.
- Missing or late information: If the supplier delays HTS numbers or manufacturer details, file with the best available info and update if CBP permits. Late filings risk penalties.
Compliance Tips to Keep You Protected
To reduce risk, you should take these practical steps:
- Work with a licensed customs broker and confirm they have timely visibility into your bookings.
- Standardize data collection templates from suppliers so HTS, manufacturer address, and purchase order numbers are available early.
- Use consistent naming conventions between commercial documents and ISF data to avoid mismatches.
- Keep records of ISF filings and confirmations for at least five years in case CBP audits you.
- Monitor CBP notices — rules evolve and you need to adjust your processes.
If you work with a broker Specializing in Importer Security Filing, make sure they document confirmation numbers and share alerts when filings are accepted or rejected.
Penalties and Operational Consequences
If you fail to file, file late, or file incorrect information, CBP can impose civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation and can delay or hold cargo. Repeated noncompliance can lead to more severe enforcement. Operationally, missed ISFs often lead to container holds, additional exams, or missed delivery windows that damage customer relations.
Product-Specific Considerations for Full Strip Eyelashes
Full strip eyelashes are commonly treated as cosmetics or accessories. You should verify:
- Product classification (HTSUS) and duty rate.
- Regulatory issues such as FDA requirements if eyelashes are marketed with claims that they affect the structure or function of the body.
- Materials — animal-derived materials may trigger additional regulations (e.g., CITES or other restrictions).
- Labeling requirements for consumer safety (age, ingredients if applicable).
These compliance checks affect classification and documentation you must include when filing ISF and later entries.
What To Do if You Get an ISF Rejection
If CBP rejects your ISF, you must correct and resubmit immediately. Rejections often happen from typos, mismatched addresses, or incorrect HTS numbers. Track rejection codes and ask your broker for root-cause analysis so you can prevent repeats.
Final Checklist Before Filing
- Confirm vessel departure time and file at least 24 hours prior.
- Validate manufacturer and HTS details.
- Confirm container stuffing location and consolidator info.
- Have importer of record and consignee numbers ready.
- Keep broker contact information and ISF acceptance confirmation.
Following this checklist will help you consistently meet ISF requirements and avoid last-minute problems.
Conclusion: Your Next Steps
Make sure you build ISF timing into your shipping calendar and keep accurate supplier data on hand. With organized processes and a reliable customs broker, you can keep your full strip eyelashes moving smoothly through U.S. ports without surprises.
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