How And When To File ISF For Fan Eyelashes

?Are you bringing fan eyelashes into the United States and unsure when and how to file your Importer Security Filing (ISF)?

How And When To File ISF For Fan Eyelashes

Importing fan eyelashes requires attention to both product-specific rules and general ISF requirements. This guide walks you through the full process so you can file correctly and avoid fines, delays, or seizure.

What is an ISF and why it matters

The Importer Security Filing (ISF), commonly called the “10+2,” is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirement for ocean shipments destined to the United States. You must provide certain shipment data ahead of vessel arrival so CBP can assess security risks. If you miss filing or file late, you can face steep penalties and customs holds that disrupt your supply chain.

Who is responsible for filing the ISF

You, as the importer of record (or your designated agent), are legally responsible for submitting the ISF. You can also appoint a customs broker to file on your behalf, but responsibility for accuracy and timeliness remains with you. When importing fan eyelashes, you should ensure the ISF reflects the product specifics and any special handling or labeling that might affect classification or safety checks.

When to file the ISF

Timing is critical. You must file the ISF at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel destined for the United States at the foreign port. If the shipment is transshipped or routed, timing rules still apply from the last foreign port where cargo is loaded onto the vessel bound for the U.S. Filing late can result in a civil penalty, and repeated violations may cause additional enforcement.

What data elements you must include

CBP requires 10 importer-provided data elements and 2 carrier-provided data elements. For your eyelashes shipment, you must ensure the data is precise and consistent with other shipping documents.

• Importer of record number (IRS, EIN, or IRS SSN)
• Consignee name and address
• Seller name and address
• Buyer name and address (if different)
• Manufacturer (or supplier) name and address
• Ship-to party name and address
• Country of origin of the goods
• Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) number
• Container stuffing location
• Consolidator (if applicable)
• Carrier’s vessel stow plan and container status may be provided by the carrier (the +2)

Make sure the manufacturer and product descriptions reflect eyelashes, including material (synthetic, mink, silk) and style (fan, volume, classic). Accuracy helps avoid misclassification or safety inspections.

How to prepare accurate product descriptions for fan eyelashes

You should write clear, consistent descriptions across all documents—purchase orders, commercial invoices, packing lists, and the ISF. For fan eyelashes specify:

• Product type: fan eyelashes
• Material: synthetic fibers, mink, silk, etc.
• Quantity by unit (e.g., sets, pieces)
• Packaging units (e.g., box, tray)
• Intended use: cosmetic accessory

Clear descriptions help customs identify the proper HTS codes and avoid mistaken classifications such as toy eyes or medical supplies.

HTS classification and country of origin

You should determine the correct HTS code and country of origin before filing. HTS classification drives duty, admissibility, and potential labeling requirements. For eyelashes, duty rates can vary based on materials and whether the product is considered an accessory or textile-related item. If you’re unsure, consult a customs broker or use CBP resources to verify the right HTS at the time of filing.

Special considerations for cosmetics and safety

Because eyelashes are a cosmetic accessory that touches the eye area, regulations about labeling, materials, and safety tests may apply. You should verify:

• Material safety and any restricted substances
• Labeling requirements for cosmetics or accessories
• Any necessary testing or documentation for imported cosmetics

While ISF itself is security-focused, customs officers may refer shipments for FDA or other regulatory review. Accurate documentation helps smooth those referrals.

Step-by-step filing process

Follow these steps to file correctly and consistently:

1. Gather documentation:
   • Commercial invoice
   • Bill of lading (BOL)
   • Purchase order
   • Supplier/manufacturer details
2. Verify importer of record details:
   • EIN or IRS number
   • Correct legal name and address
3. Determine HTS and country of origin:
   • Confirm classification and origin with supplier
4. Prepare descriptive product details:
   • Uniform descriptions across documents
5. Assign a filer:
   • You can file directly or appoint an agent (customs broker)
6. File ISF 24 hours before loading:
   • Submit the 10 required elements; coordinate with carrier for +2
7. Monitor responses:
   • Track acceptance, errors, or requests for correction
8. Maintain records:
   • Keep all ISF confirmations, commercial invoices, and related documents for at least five years

Common mistakes to avoid

You should avoid the following frequent errors that cause delays and penalties:

• Filing late or not at all
• Providing inconsistent descriptions across documents
• Incorrect importer of record numbers
• Incorrect HTS or country of origin
• Relying on outdated supplier information

Double-check details early and maintain communication with suppliers and carriers.

Penalties and what to expect if you miss the deadline

CBP can assess liquidated damages for late or incorrect ISF filings. Penalties may vary, and repeated non-compliance can lead to higher fines and increased scrutiny. If your shipment is subject to hold, you may face demurrage and storage charges from the carrier. Acting proactively—filing corrections quickly and keeping records—reduces financial and operational impact.

Edge cases and how to handle them

Some situations need special handling. You should be prepared for:

• Consolidated shipments: If your eyelashes are part of a consolidation, ensure your consolidator or consolidating party lists the correct container stuffing location and manufacturer details.
• Transshipment: If cargo is reloaded at an intermediate port, ISF still must be filed for the leg bound for the U.S.
• Dropshipments: When the supplier ships directly to your customer in the U.S., you remain responsible for filing if you’re the importer of record.
• Container rearrangements: If stuffing or container numbers change after filing, you must update the ISF promptly to match the new information.

Working with service providers

You can manage filing yourself or hire a professional. Many importers find value in using a customs broker because brokers know filing nuances and local port practices. If you operate in or import through California, consider using an ISF Customs Broker in California who understands local port operations and consignees. When you work with a broker, confirm:

• Who is the filer of record
• What data the broker needs and when
• The broker’s procedures for amendments and alerts

Recordkeeping and audits

You must keep ISF-related records for at least five years. Maintain clear logs of:

• ISF submission confirmations
• Commercial invoices and packing lists
• Bills of lading and arrival notices
• Correspondence with carriers and brokers

These records help you respond to CBP inquiries, audits, or post-entry adjustments.

Compliance tips to minimize risk

You should adopt these practical steps to stay compliant:

• Standardize product descriptions across systems
• Validate supplier information before shipment
• Use a checklist for the 10+2 ISF elements
• Implement a filing timeline in your shipment workflow
• Use automated filing tools or a reliable broker to reduce human error
• Keep a contingency plan for late filings, including rapid amendment procedures

Practical example: Filing for a fan eyelashes shipment

Imagine you import 500 boxes of synthetic fan eyelashes from a manufacturer in Shenzhen, China. Your timeline:

• Two weeks before sailing: Confirm supplier details, HTS, and country of origin.
• One week before sailing: Collect commercial invoice, packing list, and container stuffing location.
• 48 hours before sailing: Verify importer of record number and consignee address.
• 24 hours before sailing: File ISF with all 10 elements; confirm carrier has provided the +2 elements.
• After filing: Monitor for acceptance; if the carrier changes container numbers, file an amendment immediately.

This routine saves you from last-minute scrambling and reduces the chance of fines.

Conclusion

If you import fan eyelashes, ISF filing is non-negotiable and time-sensitive. You should ensure accurate, consistent documentation and meet the 24-hour pre-loading deadline. Working with a knowledgeable customs broker can reduce risk and simplify your process, especially for ports with unique practices. Keep clear records, standardize descriptions, and plan your filings as part of your regular logistics workflow so your beauty products arrive on time and in compliance.