Illustrative situation
A brand’s cartons are about to be loaded onto a vessel in China when the forwarder asks for details to file an ISF. The brand has never heard of it and the supplier says it is not their job.
Main answer
ISF, also called 10+2, is an Importer Security Filing that, for ocean cargo bound for the United States, generally must be submitted to CBP no later than 24 hours before the cargo is loaded at the foreign port, so gather the data before the cartons leave the factory. A late, wrong or missing filing can lead to penalties and delays.
Who files and what is needed
The importer is responsible, and most importers have their customs broker file it. The filing includes details such as the seller, buyer, manufacturer, ship-to party, country of origin and the product’s HTS code, among others. Two further data items, the container stuffing location and the consolidator, may be sent later, but no later than 24 hours before arrival in the United States.
Deadlines and penalties
CBP’s rule at 19 CFR 149.2 sets the 24 hour deadline for the main data elements. CBP describes possible monetary penalties, increased inspections and delays of cargo for non-compliance, and publicly states liquidated damages of $5,000 per violation, with mitigation possible depending on facts.
What it does not cover
ISF applies to ocean cargo, not air cargo, and is separate from the customs entry that is filed to clear the goods. Filing an ISF does not replace the entry or the payment of duty. Check whether your shipment type has special rules, such as goods moving in bond.
Common mistakes
Typical mistakes include sending the filing late, using the wrong manufacturer name, leaving out the stuffing location, or changing the booking after filing without updating it. Most can be avoided by agreeing a data checklist with your broker and supplier a week before loading.
Related reading
See the products page for the products behind this topic, and read customs bond next. Both are general guides, not a quotation.
Getting it right
Ask the supplier for the exact manufacturer name and address and the container stuffing location well before loading. Give the broker the HTS code you plan to use and make sure it matches the invoice. Agree who files, the cut-off time and a backup contact, because a weekend can shorten your window.
Fact, recommendation, uncertainty
- Established fact
- For ocean cargo to the US, the main ISF data elements must generally be filed no later than 24 hours before loading at the foreign port, under 19 CFR 149.2.
- Recommendation
- Give your broker the supplier and shipment details before loading, agree the deadline and check the data against the invoice.
- Uncertainty
- Requirements and penalty practice can change, so confirm with CBP or your broker.
Sources and further reading
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Importer Security Filing “10+2”
- eCFR — 19 CFR 149.2, Importer security filing: requirement and time of transmission
Sources checked on 24 October 2026. Standards bodies sell the full texts; we cite what their public pages state. General information, not legal or technical certification advice.
More perspectives from the team
Three further views on the same question, each by function. They add conditions and limits to the main answer; they are editorial notes, not customer reviews.
Sino Finetex Editorial Team Sourcing
Tell the factory early that you need its legal name, address and stuffing location for the filing. Limit: a factory using a subcontractor may not know the manufacturer detail at once. Ask the factory for a loading date and tell the broker immediately if it moves, since the filing deadline moves with it.
Sino Finetex Editorial Team Product selection
Keep product descriptions and HTS choices consistent between styles to avoid corrections. Limit: styles with different fibres can need different classifications. Keep product and HTS details the same on every document.
Sino Finetex Editorial Team Quality & care
Compare the filed data with the packing list and the labels on the goods. Limit: corrections after filing may be needed if loading details change. Ask the factory to confirm the stuffing location by message before the container is sealed, and keep the reply with your files.
Related products
- Products
Sino Finetex product page
- Capabilities
Sino Finetex product page
- how-does-it-work
Sino Finetex product page
- FAQs
Sino Finetex product page
Related articles and topics
- TalkCustoms broker and importer of record: who does what?
- TalkIncoterms 2020: what do apparel buyers need to know?
- What Should You Know About Clothing Manufacturers in China?
- What Should I Know About Underwear Manufacturers?
- What Are The 5 Frequently Used Garment Trims You Must Know About?
- Why Is the Cropped Boxy Hoodie + Cargo Pants Trend Taking Over TikTok?
- What are the different types of pockets?
- Wholesale T-Shirt Manufacturer: Custom Seamless & Private Label Apparel (June 2026)
← All questions: Shipping, customs and complianceAll Talk topics
