The Importer Security Filing (ISF), also known as “10+2”, 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 in-bound ocean shipments. This information is crucial for CBP’s risk assessment activities and aids in identifying potential security risks related to the imported goods. This article aims to provide a comprehensive glossary of the data fields involved in ISF filing, elucidating the terms and definitions involved.
Understanding these terms is essential for importers, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders involved in the import process. It ensures compliance with the regulations, aids in accurate and timely filing, and helps avoid potential penalties for non-compliance. The following sections will break down each data field, providing a detailed explanation of its meaning, relevance, and how it fits into the broader context of ISF filing.
ISF-10 Data Fields
The ISF-10 refers to the ten data elements that importers or their agents must provide to CBP for each shipment. These data fields provide detailed information about the shipment, including details about the seller, buyer, ship to party, and more. Understanding each of these fields is crucial for accurate and compliant ISF filing.
Each of these data fields serves a specific purpose in the ISF filing process, contributing to CBP’s risk assessment activities. They help CBP identify high-risk shipments, facilitating targeted inspections and helping to ensure the security of the U.S. supply chain.
Seller
The ‘Seller’ data field refers to the last known entity by whom the goods are sold or agreed to be sold. If the goods are to be imported otherwise than in pursuance of a purchase, the ‘Seller’ is the person to whom the goods are being shipped. This field is crucial as it identifies the party responsible for the sale of the goods, aiding in traceability and accountability.
It’s important to note that the ‘Seller’ is not necessarily the manufacturer of the goods, but rather the entity that sold the goods to the importer. The ‘Seller’ could be a distributor, wholesaler, or other intermediary, depending on the specific circumstances of the transaction.
Buyer
The ‘Buyer’ data field refers to the last known entity to whom the goods are sold or agreed to be sold. If the goods are to be imported otherwise than in pursuance of a purchase, the ‘Buyer’ is the person to whom the goods are being shipped. This field is crucial as it identifies the party responsible for purchasing the goods, aiding in traceability and accountability.
It’s important to note that the ‘Buyer’ is not necessarily the end user of the goods, but rather the entity that purchased the goods from the seller. The ‘Buyer’ could be a distributor, wholesaler, or other intermediary, depending on the specific circumstances of the transaction.
ISF-2 Data Fields
The ISF-2 refers to the two data elements that vessel operating carriers must provide to CBP for each shipment. These data fields provide detailed information about the vessel stow plan and container status messages. Understanding each of these fields is crucial for accurate and compliant ISF filing.
Each of these data fields serves a specific purpose in the ISF filing process, contributing to CBP’s risk assessment activities. They help CBP identify high-risk shipments, facilitating targeted inspections and helping to ensure the security of the U.S. supply chain.
Vessel Stow Plan
The ‘Vessel Stow Plan’ data field refers to the information about the physical location of each container on the vessel. This information is crucial for CBP’s risk assessment activities, as it helps identify high-risk containers for targeted inspections. The stow plan must include details such as the vessel name, voyage number, container operator, equipment number, equipment size and type, stow position, and any hazardous materials information.
It’s important to note that the ‘Vessel Stow Plan’ must be provided no later than 48 hours after the vessel’s departure from the last foreign port. Failure to provide this information in a timely manner can result in penalties for the vessel operating carrier.
Container Status Messages
The ‘Container Status Messages’ data field refers to the information about the movement and status changes of a container. These messages are generated by the carrier’s equipment tracking systems and must be provided to CBP for each container that is loaded on the vessel at a foreign port. The messages must include details such as the date and time of the event, event location, container number, and event description.
It’s important to note that the ‘Container Status Messages’ must be provided to CBP no later than 24 hours after the message is entered into the carrier’s equipment tracking system. Failure to provide this information in a timely manner can result in penalties for the vessel operating carrier.
Additional ISF Data Fields
In addition to the ISF-10 and ISF-2 data fields, there are several additional data fields that may be required in certain circumstances. These fields provide additional information that aids in CBP’s risk assessment activities and helps ensure the security of the U.S. supply chain.
These additional data fields may include information about the manufacturer, shipper, consignee, and more. Understanding these fields and when they are required is crucial for accurate and compliant ISF filing.
Manufacturer
The ‘Manufacturer’ data field refers to the last known entity by whom the goods were manufactured or assembled. This field is crucial as it identifies the party responsible for the production of the goods, aiding in traceability and accountability.
It’s important to note that the ‘Manufacturer’ is not necessarily the seller of the goods, but rather the entity that produced or assembled the goods. The ‘Manufacturer’ could be a different entity from the seller, depending on the specific circumstances of the transaction.
Shipper
The ‘Shipper’ data field refers to the party who initiates the shipment of the goods. This field is crucial as it identifies the party responsible for the transportation of the goods, aiding in traceability and accountability.
It’s important to note that the ‘Shipper’ is not necessarily the seller or the manufacturer of the goods, but rather the entity that arranged for the goods to be transported. The ‘Shipper’ could be a freight forwarder, a logistics company, or another intermediary, depending on the specific circumstances of the transaction.
Consignee
The ‘Consignee’ data field refers to the party to whom the goods are consigned. This field is crucial as it identifies the party responsible for receiving the goods, aiding in traceability and accountability.
It’s important to note that the ‘Consignee’ is not necessarily the buyer of the goods, but rather the entity that is designated to receive the goods. The ‘Consignee’ could be a warehouse, a distribution center, or another intermediary, depending on the specific circumstances of the transaction.
Conclusion
Understanding the various ISF data fields and their definitions is crucial for anyone involved in the import process. These fields provide detailed information about the shipment, aiding in CBP’s risk assessment activities and helping to ensure the security of the U.S. supply chain.
By providing accurate and timely information in these data fields, importers, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders can ensure compliance with CBP regulations, avoid potential penalties for non-compliance, and contribute to the security of the U.S. supply chain.