What is an Importer Security Filing?

Under the new rule, before merchandise arriving by vessel can be imported into the United States,
the “Importer Security Filing (ISF) Importer,”or their agent (e.g., 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 United States by ocean vessel;
it does not apply to cargo arriving by other modes of transportation.

Who is Responsible for the Filing?
The ISF Importer is required to submit the Importer Security Filing. The ISF Importer is the party causing
the goods to arrive within the limits of a port in the United States by vessel. Typically, the ISF Importer
is the goods’ owner, purchaser, consignee, or agent such as a licensed customs broker.
However, for foreign cargo remaining on board (FROB), the ISF Importer is the carrier. For
immediate exportation (IE) and transportation and exportation (T&E) in-bond shipments, and goods
to be delivered to a foreign trade zone (FTZ), the ISF Importer is the party filing the IE, T&E, or FTZ
documentation.