10+2 Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements

Effective January 26th, 2010, all companies must comply with the Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements (known as 10+2).

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may issue liquidated damages of $5,000 per violation for the submission of an inaccurate, incomplete or untimely filing. If goods for which an Importer Security Filing (ISF) has not been filed arrive in the U.S., CBP may withhold the release or transfer of the cargo; CBP may refuse to grant a permit to unlade for the merchandise; and if the cargo is unladen without permission, it may be subject to seizure. Additionally, noncompliant cargo could be subject to “do not load” orders at origin or further inspection on arrival. Under the new rule, before merchandise arriving by vessel can be imported into the U.S., the “Importer Security Filing (ISF) importer” or their agent (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 U.S. by ocean vessel.