Importer Security Filing for your USA Imports
ISF Filing (Importer Security Filing) is a requirement for ocean freight shipments entering the United States. The ISF must be filed with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before the goods are loaded onto a vessel for transport to the United States. The purpose of the ISF is to provide US Customs with advance information about the contents of the shipment, allowing them to identify and assess potential security risks. The ISF filing also contains important details about the contents of incoming shipments from foreign countries.
The Import Security Filing must be filed by the importer or their authorized agent, and must include detailed information about the shipment, such as the date and place of loading, the vessel name and voyage number, the port of arrival, and the consignee. It must also include information about the goods being shipped, such as the quantity, value, and Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code.
In general, the ISF must be filed at least 24 hours before the goods are loaded onto the vessel. Failure to file the ISF on time may result in penalties or delays at the port of arrival.
The importer of record must fill out and sign the Power of Attorney which grants Freightclear ( serviced by WCS International Inc.) the authority to clear your goods through US Customs. If you are importing as a company, an authorized executive must sign the POA. An IRS letter proving corporate association with an EIN# will need to be provided. If importing as an individual, you sign the POA and provide a drivers license and valid SS#. Your SS# is your customs importer ID.
Documents required to File ISF with U.S. Customs
- Arrival Notice
- Bill of Lading
- ISF Info Sheet
- Power of Attorney
- Commercial Invoice
- IRS Letter w EIN ( corps)
- Drivers License (individuals)
The U.S. Importer of Record is Responsible for ISF Filing
An Importer of Record is required to submit the Importer Security Filing. The Importer is the party causing the goods to arrive within the limits of a port in the United States by vessel. Typically, the Importer is the goods’ owner, purchaser, consignee, or agent such as a licensed customs broker. However, for foreign cargo remaining on board, the importer is the carrier. For immediate exportation and transportation and exportation in-bond shipments, and goods to be delivered to a foreign trade zone (FTZ), the Importer is the party filing the documentation
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