Correct, complete, and timely Importer Security Filing (ISF) is a crucial element of the import process for anyone bringing goods into the United States. Properly filed ISF documents help U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to ensure the safety of the United States while disrupting international as little as possible. These essential documents should be regarded with careful attention in order to avoid import process complications.
Because proper ISF filing is important to their goals of facilitating trade and protecting the United States, CBP may issue liquidated damages to importers who violate the ISF guidelines and procedures. A recent publication on CBP’s website states July 9, 2013 as the beginning of ISF enforcement’s “liquidated damages phase.” The document states that liquidated damages of $5,000.00 USD may be issued for individual violations. Examples of violations can include late (untimely), inaccurate, or incomplete filing of ISF documents. Every importer should know the importance of filing these documents on time, and according to CBP’s guidelines. ISF is required to be filed no later than 24 hours before cargo is laden aboard the vessel at the foreign port (19CFR 149.2b).
Importers who are not familiar with ISF filing guidelines and procedures can find a wealth of excellent additional information regarding ISF from CBP on this page of the CBP website. Importer Security Filing compliance is already an important part of every Customs compliant importer’s operation, but the fines associated with non-compliance should encourage focus on proper filing for those who are not following ISF guidelines closely enough.
Are you compliant with ISF? If you do not know the answer, make sure to take advantage of all the informational materials CBP provides, and as always, ask a professional for further assistance in reaching your import compliance goals. Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more.
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