Importer Security Filing Enforcement Update

Correct, complete, and timely Importer Security Filing (ISF) is a crucial element of the import process for anyone bringing goods into the United States. These essential documents should be regarded with careful attention in order to avoid import process complications.

Properly filed Importer Security Filing (ISF) documents help U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to ensure the safety of the United States while disrupting international as little as possible. Because proper ISF filing is important to their goals of facilitating trade and protecting the United States, CBP may issue liquidated damages to importers who violate the ISF guidelines and procedures. Every importer should know the importance of filing these documents on time, and according to CBP’s guidelines. ISF is required to be filed no later than 24 hours before cargo is laden aboard the vessel at the foreign port.

Importers who are not familiar with ISF filing guidelines and procedures can find a wealth of excellent additional information regarding ISF from CBP on this page of the CBP website. Importer Security Filing compliance is already an important part of every Customs compliant importer’s operation, but the fines associated with non-compliance should encourage a focus on proper filing for those who are not following these guidelines closely enough.

Are you compliant with? If you do not know the answer, make sure to take advantage of all the informational materials CBP and Trade Risk Guaranty provides, and as always, ask a professional for further assistance in reaching your import compliance goals. Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more.