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ISF-The honeymoon is over!
January 13, 2010

U.S. Customs Border and Protection’s (CBP) 10+2 Ruling (Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements) became effective on January 26, 2009. The regulation requires importers and ocean carriers to electronically submit additional data to CBP on vessels destined to the United States 24 hours prior to cargo lading on the vessel at the foreign port.

2009 was the informed compliance period. There were no penalties assessed during this time, though participation was mandatory.

January 26, 2010, the ISF program will be enforced, liquidated damages will be assessed. US Customs has also advised they will hold releases for shipments that do not have an ISF filing.

Penalties are at $5,000.00 each, $10,000 per incorrect filing and can be assessed for one year after arrival of merchandise.

Please note the circumstances that will cause a penalty and/or your shipment to be refused release:

Failure to file
Inaccurate submission of information
Late submission
Failure to cancel a filing

It is imperative more now than ever that you sign up for ISF filing. We will assist you in your set up needs, but this must be done immediately.


Our goal is to guide all of our importers through 10+2 implementation FREE OF PENALTIES.