Importer Security Filing (ISF) is the CBP advance cargo data program for ocean imports, commonly referred to by its operational name — ISF 10+2. Implemented after the SAFE Port Act of 2006, ISF requires submission of cargo data to CBP before the container is loaded onto a vessel at the foreign port of lading, giving CBP time to perform targeted risk analysis.
The program splits responsibility between two parties:
- Importer (10 elements) — manufacturer/supplier, seller, buyer, ship-to party, container stuffing location, consolidator, importer of record number, consignee number, country of origin, HTS code at the 6-digit level
- Carrier (2 elements) — vessel stow plan, container status messages (CSM)
Filings are submitted via ABI or the AMS interface. Most importers delegate the filing to their customs broker or freight forwarder.
ISF applies only to ocean cargo destined for the U.S. — air, truck, and rail are out of scope (those modes use AMS and e-Manifest under different timing rules).
ISF was enforced beginning January 2009 with full penalty enforcement starting July 2013. Penalties run up to $5,000 per violation, with a per-shipment cap of $10,000. CBP can also issue "Do Not Load" (DNL) instructions to carriers for shipments missing ISF data at the time of lading.