Importing · July 9, 2026
The one customs filing that quietly decides whether your container moves — or sits on a hold.
If you import by ocean, the ISF — Importer Security Filing, often called "10+2" — is one of those behind-the-scenes filings that nobody thinks about until it's wrong. Get it right and your container clears and moves. Get it late, or leave data off, and CBP can put a hold on the box or hand you a penalty that starts at $5,000.
The ISF is data you (the importer) send to U.S. Customs before your container is loaded on the ship overseas. It's ten data elements from the importer plus two from the carrier — that's the "10+2". Things like the manufacturer, seller, buyer, ship-to party, country of origin and the HTS number. It's a security screening step, separate from your actual customs entry.
The ISF has to be filed at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel at origin — not when it arrives here. That's the part that trips people up: the clock is running on the other side of the ocean. Miss it and you're looking at holds, exams, and liquidated damages.
The importer of record is responsible, but in practice your customs broker or freight forwarder files it for you. If you're working with a forwarder like our partner Platton, they handle the ISF as part of getting your shipment moving. Your job is getting them the data early and accurate.
The ISF doesn't move your box — that's drayage — but the two are linked. A container on a customs hold because of a bad ISF can't be picked up, and every day it sits is a day closer to demurrage. That's why we watch the customs status alongside the terminal's Last Free Day: clean paperwork plus a truck ready to go is how a container gets out before the charges start.
The Importer Security Filing ("10+2") is data the importer sends U.S. Customs before an ocean container is loaded overseas — ten importer elements plus two from the carrier. It's a security screening step, separate from the customs entry.
At least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel at the origin port — not when it arrives in the U.S. Missing that window risks holds, exams and penalties.
CBP can hold or exam the container and assess liquidated damages that start at $5,000. A held box also can't be picked up, so demurrage can pile on top.
The importer of record is legally responsible, but a customs broker or freight forwarder usually files it. Get them accurate data early so it's in before the vessel loads.