A newsflash was sent out on 30 July and 29 September, 2009, regarding a procedure that was put in place by the US Customs and Border Protection agency (CBP), requiring specific information to be filed and verified, before a container is loaded.

We remind you that fines of $5000 USD are being imposed for all non-compliance, and shipments are being held at destination until a valid ISF (Importer Security Filing) number is issued; this measure was made effective from January 2010. The ISF number is a necessary requirement for all ocean shipments bound for the US.

We urge you to comply with this regulation as there are no concessions whatsoever.

Below are some explanations which may assist you in completing these forms.

If the US agent has not sent a form for ISF 10 +2 information, request this document when asking for consignment instructions. If this form does not exist, then the information must be listed, as below. All information must be sent to the US agent AT LEAST 72 hours, prior to container loading.

Update: Please include the BOL number and SCAC code on all forms. You can source the BOL number before you get the physical BOL. Also be sure to provide an identification number for the shipper (passport or social security number).

Summary of shipment information requirements:

1. Importer of Record Identification Number: Social Security number for US citizens, INCLUDING the passport number, country of issue and date of birth.
2. Consignee number: The same as for the importer of record.
3. Seller: HHG owner’s name and last overseas address.
4. Buyer: HHG owner’s name and address in the USA (if the shipper’s address is unavailable, use the US agent’s address or the employer’s address, if available).
5. Ship to party: Same as for the Buyer.
6. Manufacturer: NA.
7. Country of origin: NA.
8. Commodity HTS-6: 9804.00 (most forms will indicate this code).
9. Container loading location: Branch name and address or origin address if FCL. Consolidator name and address if LCL.
10. Consolidator (Stuffer) name/address: Name and address of LCL consolidator (this appears on most versions of the form, even though the information may be the same as the above if it is an LCL shipment).
11. Estimated departure date and port.
12. Estimated arrival date and port.
13. Bill of lading number (at the lowest level) must include the Carrier SCAC code.
14. Booking number/vessel names/voyage number.
15. Container number.

Not all of the above information is requested. Therefore, please add all non-requested information at the bottom of the form supplied or in a cover letter.

This information must be gathered and transmitted at least 72 hours before loading an ocean shipment to the USA. Failure to comply will result in shipment delays and fines of $5000 USD.

Should you have any concerns, please do not delay in bringing these to your regional director’s attention.