ISFs are required to be filed on all shipments into the US market within 24 hours before sailing from the final port of discharge or risk fines.
Effective from March 15th 2019, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will begin full enforcement of the ISF (Importer Security Filing) requirements for cargo imported into the US. This will affect any foreign cargo that calls a US port during transit.
What had changed?
ISF rules took effect in 2009. However until now, ISF filing has not been fully enforced. Last week CBP issued a statement to say that the the delayed enforcement period for ISF violation will be ending on March 15th 2019 and penalties for violations will be issued.
You can view the CBP’s update by clicking here.
If you are importing products into the US please ensure you are in compliance or you risk fines of $5,000 per violation for the submission of an inaccurate, incomplete or untimely filing.
Who is responsible for filing?
- The filing must be completed at the lowest bill of lading level (house bill of lading if applicable) prior to loading. This requires the filing to be completed by a booking agent or broker.
- This policy also applies to shipments wherein the cargo is diverted by the carrier, making it become Freight Remaining on Board (FROB). In this instance, the carrier or broker (depending on who issued the bill of lading) is responsible for filing the ISF and must do so within 24 hours from the announced diversion.
How can PFE help?
At PFE we offer a full brokering service and can issue ISFs on behalf of our customers. We adhere to our best practices in order to ensure timely and accurate ISF filings. If you wish to discuss your US import requirements in relation to ISF, we would be happy to help. Please contact Simon Canning on 01376 533042.