The Importer Security Filing (ISF) started in January 2009 with a one-year initial stage in period. Full implementation started in January 2010, however U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) kept up an adaptable and estimated authorization position. Penalty guidelines were distributed in July 2009, however Customs held off doing anything until July 2013 when they declared they would start full requirement no doubt and begin giving exchanged harms against ISF shippers and transporters for resistance. Damage are liquidated (basically penalties backed up by a Customs bond) are being given, yet the ports must present the cases to CBP for audit first. This will be the methodology at any rate until mid-2014. HQ has dismissed various cases from the ports, however has given punishments against grievous ISF guilty parties. Damage are liquidated for ISF start at $5000 for inability to record an ISF; $5000 for late ISF; $5000 for mistaken/misleading ISF; $5000 for a deficient ISF; and $5000 for inability to pull back an ISF. The maximum rate per ISF filing penalty is $10,000.
Since Customs is in full requirement mode with real liquidated damages for real money after 911, we suggest to follow this prescribed procedures for your ISF program:
Filing in the last minute:
ISF must be file at least 24 hours preceding vessel takeoff. File the ISF when you are capable. Make a point to get the information to the filer no later than 72 hours before cruising. This will permit time for occasions and ends of the week.
Consult for Template:
Save time and lessen your probability of mistakes by utilizing a format. On the off chance that you don't have one, consult ISF Customs Broker.
Consider your Suppliers/Manufacturers Responsibility:
Build language into your seller manuals, buy orders, contracts, letters of acknowledge, and so on., with your ISF desires to consider your providers responsibility for giving the ISF information and giving it ideal. In the event that you get a penalty for a late ISF, ensure you have a provision that will require the provider to assume liability for the expense in the event that they are to blame.
The Power of Continuous Bond:
You Need a Single ISF Bond and Single entry Bond to cover both the ISF and the Customs entry. On the off chance that you don't have a continuous bond, you will require a different ISF bond for each filing. On the off chance that the ISF is late, the surety company will probably request insurance of $5000 to secure about the bond. If you need a continuous bond, then do not hesitate to contact us.
Don’t hesitate to update your ISF Filing:
Update the ISF in the event that you have to revise any information. Try not to forfeit a convenient ISF by erasing it and refiling late. ISF's can be refreshed anytime up to the time the freight shows up in the U.S.
Matched BL-Bill of Lading:
Make sure you get a bill of replenishing match at any rate 24 hours preceding freight appearance. In the event that you get an "AMS Bill Not on File" message, don't resend the ISF to attempt to compel a match. Do double check the bill of lading number to be certain it is right and is the least level bill number on record in Automated Manifest System (AMS). In the event that it is, the match will happen once the transporter records the show. In the event that the vessel sails and after several days you actually don't have a match, at that point you should contact your provider to check the bill of replenishing data.
ISF progress report updates:
The customs broker who file your ISF gets these reports through their Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) entry and ought to forward them to you.
