What is Importer Security Filing (ISF)?
For ocean shipments to the US, the importer (or its agent) files ten data elements, including the seller, buyer, manufacturer, country of origin, HTS number and container stuffing location. The carrier files two more. The importer's part must be filed at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded at the foreign port.
Late, inaccurate or missing ISF filings can bring penalties of up to $5,000 per violation and holds on the cargo.
On India–USA shipments
For a container leaving Nhava Sheva or Chennai, the ISF is due 24 hours before loading in India, not before arrival in the US, so the Indian exporter needs to send the details early.
