Under the new rule, before merchandise arriving by vessel can be imported into the United States, the “Importer Security Filing (ISF) Importer,” or their agent (e.g., licensed customs broker), must electronically submit certain advance cargo information to CBP in the form of an Importer Security Filing. This requirement only applies to cargo arriving in the United States by ocean vessel; it does not apply to cargo arriving by other modes of transportation.

When importing cargo to the USA via ocean vessel, the CBP requires that cargo to be registered on both the export and import sides by way of ISF Filing. This is a required step for the purpose of pre-screening all incoming goods as part of Homeland Security measures.

All ISF filings are required to be completed, even when done late, or if the cargo has already arrived. Failure to do so may result in fines and delays, as well as costly intensive examinations. The federal government has instituted penalties for late ISF filing at $5,000 per instance, and a total of $10,000 per shipment if there are multiple offenses per shipment.