About ISF

Last Updated: July 9, 2010

On November 25, 2008, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published an interim final rule entitled “Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements” in the Federal Register (73 FR 71730).  The interim final rule requires both importers and carriers to submit additional information pertaining to cargo to CBP before the cargo is brought into the United States by vessel.  CBP has received numerous questions concerning the interim final rule.  To assist the trade community in understanding the expectations of CBP concerning the Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements rule, CBP in this document has provided responses to the most frequently asked questions.  CBP will continually be updating and clarifying this document as necessary.  Should you have additional questions that are not included in this document, please feel free to write to Security_Filing_General@cbp.dhs.gov.  Please note that the responses to the FAQs are for informational purposes only and are non-binding.  Questions relating to specific facts and circumstances of a prospective transaction can be the subject of a ruling request under Part 177 of the CBP regulations.

Please visit http://www.cbp.gov/ for the latest information on the Importer Security Filing “10+2” program.  Most of the information on “10+2” can be found at the following link: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/carriers/security_filing/