ISF filing guide (US imports)

Importer Security Filing: the 10+2 data elements, the 24-hour rule before vessel loading, and how to track filed / confirmed status.

ISF (Importer Security Filing, "10+2") is a US rule: before an ocean vessel loads your container, US Customs must already know 10 facts about the importer and cargo, plus 2 from the shipping line. Miss the 24-hour deadline and the container can be held — or fined.

The 10+2 in plain words#

• 10 importer items: seller, buyer, importer of record, ship-to party, container stuffing location, consolidator, manufacturer/supplier, country of origin, HTS numbers, and the bill of lading number.
• 2 carrier items: vessel stow plan and container status messages — these come from the shipping line, not from you.

How to file#

1. Open the import declaration → ISF tab. The 10 importer items auto-fill from the declaration (check them — the carrier items stay blank until the shipping line sends them).
2. File before the vessel loads — the system warns you when the 24-hour deadline approaches.
3. Track status on the ISF page: Filed → Confirmed. If customs rejects it, fix the flagged item and refile.