For companies engaged in China-US trade, ISF filing is a crucial requirement for goods entering the United States. This "10+2" rule mandates importers to submit detailed information before vessel loading, where any errors can lead to substantial fines or cargo delays. Hi-strong's expert customs team provides accurate ISF filing services to ensure full compliance with US customs regulations.

Core ISF Filing Requirements

 ISF filing consists of two main components: Importer Security Filing and Carrier Security Filing. Importers must provide 10 data elements including manufacturer information, consignee details, and commodity descriptions. Ocean carriers must submit 2 elements: the vessel stow plan and container status messages. All information must be accurate and complete to avoid compliance issues.

Importer vs Carrier Filing Responsibilities

The Importer Security Filing focuses on cargo information and supply chain parties, including buyer and seller information, commodity descriptions, and packing details. This responsibility rests entirely with the importer. The Carrier Security Filing is handled by the ocean carrier and covers vessel operation and container status data. Understanding this distinction helps clarify respective responsibilities and facilitates proper documentation preparation.

Strict Filing Deadlines

ISF filing has specific timing requirements. Importers must complete filing 24-48 hours before cargo loading at the foreign port. For shipments transshipped through other countries, the timeline starts from the initial departure. Hi-strong's operating system provides advance reminders to ensure timely submission well before deadlines.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Late or inaccurate filings can result in severe penalties. Each violation may incur fines of $5,000 to $10,000. More seriously, cargo may be denied loading or held at destination ports, causing supply chain disruptions. Repeated violations can affect the importer's customs compliance record, creating ongoing challenges for future trade activities.

Hi-strong's Professional Filing Service

Our expert team thoroughly understands ISF filing requirements. We provide end-to-end guidance to help clients accurately collect and organize required information. Through our professional system, we automatically verify information completeness and accuracy, minimizing filing error risks. When customs policies change, we immediately notify clients and adjust filing strategies accordingly.

Comprehensive Support Services

ISF filing is just the beginning of the customs clearance process. Hi-strong offers full support services including tariff consulting and examination assistance. If customs inspections occur, our professional team immediately activates contingency plans, helps prepare relevant documents, and maintains close communication with customs to ensure prompt resolution.ISF filing is an essential component of China-US trade. 

Choosing Hi-strong as your logistics partner ensures not only accurate and timely filing but also comprehensive customs clearance support. Let our expertise and experience safeguard your smooth customs clearance and support your international trade development.