How goods legally enter a country · US ocean cargo filed before loading
Importer Security Filing (10+2)
The US advance cargo data rule for ocean shipments: ten importer data elements plus two carrier elements.
Key facts
| Scope | Ocean cargo destined for the United States |
|---|---|
| Importer elements | Ten data elements covering seller, buyer, manufacturer, goods, code, origin, container and party details |
| Carrier elements | Vessel stow plan and container status messages |
| Deadline | Generally 24 hours before loading at the foreign port |
| Who files | The importer, broker or authorised agent |
| Late filing | CBP may claim liquidated damages; a bond and corrective filing are involved |
| Not the same as entry | ISF is advance security data; the customs entry is filed separately |
| Official source | US CBP Importer Security Filing guidance |
ISF is a pre-loading gate
The filing happens before the container is loaded, so late data cannot be fixed at the destination. Missing or inaccurate manufacturer, consignee or commodity details are common causes of a hold or a damages claim.
Build ISF into the booking process. If the supplier provides the data only at shipment, the filing deadline is already tight.
It is not a substitute for the entry
ISF gives CBP advance visibility. The entry declaration, duty payment and release still happen through the normal customs process. A filed ISF does not guarantee release and does not classify the goods for duty.
For air shipments, different advance cargo rules apply. Do not assume the ocean ISF process covers every mode.
Frequently asked questions
Does ISF apply to air freight?
The 10+2 Importer Security Filing rule is specific to ocean cargo. Air cargo has separate advance data requirements.
Who is responsible for filing ISF?
The importer is responsible, but a broker or authorised agent usually files on the importer's behalf.
Ask a compliance question
Free first answer by email. Tell us the destination, the product and the channel — we will point you to the rule and the official source. No obligation, no sales sequence.