For every ocean shipment to the US, an Importer Security Filing must reach CBP at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded at the foreign port. Much of the data comes from the exporter in Vietnam.
The 10 importer elements
- Seller
- Buyer
- Importer of record number
- Consignee number
- Manufacturer (or supplier)
- Ship-to party
- Country of origin
- HTS number (6 digits minimum)
- Container stuffing location
- Consolidator (stuffer)
Plus 2 carrier elements: vessel stow plan and container status messages.
What the exporter must provide
- Manufacturer name and address (the actual factory, not a trading company).
- Stuffing location and consolidator — the warehouse or factory where the container was loaded.
- Product descriptions and HTS codes consistent with the invoice.
Penalties
Late, inaccurate or missing ISF filings can result in liquidated damages of up to USD 5,000 per violation, plus holds and exams.
Related: US clearance process · sea freight.