The U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that beginning January 26, 2009, importers will be required to provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP with advance notification for all ocean vessel shipments inbound to the United States.

The Importer Security Filing (ISF), which is commonly known as the 10+2 Program, is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulation pursuant to Section 203 of the SAFE Port Act of 2006 and section 343(a) of the Trade Act of 2002, as amended by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, for non-bulk ocean shipments arriving into the United States.

The 10+2 import security compliance requirements will dramatically change the way U.S. importers and ocean carriers conduct supply chain logistics. Under the new Final Interim Rule issued November 25, 2008, importers are required to transmit ten data elements in the Importer Security Filing to CBP at least 24 hours before loading any ocean shipments a vessel bound for the United States.

An Importer Security Filing will be required for every inbound ocean shipment to the United States. Any changes or updates to the Importer Security Filing ISF must be done prior to the shipment arrival at the first U.S. Port of arrival. ISF filings will need to be secured by a bond. Generally, continuous bonds will be accepted for ISF filings.

The ten data elements required by importers for the ISF transmission are:
1. Manufacturer (or supplier) name and address
2. Seller (or owner) name and address
3. Buyer (or owner) name and address
4. Ship to name and address
5. Container stuffing location
6. Consolidator (container stuffer) name and address
7. Importer of record Internal Revenue Number or Foreign Trade Zone applicant ID number
8. Consignee number(s)
9. Country of origin
10. Harmonized Tariff Schedule number (HTSUS) minimum six digit level)

The U.S. importer will be solely responsible for filing ten data elements starting January 26, 2009. Failure to file may result in customs clearance delays, cargo inspections and a penalty of $5,000.00 per ISF violation.

Importers may authorize a third to file the Importer Security Filing on their behalf. Freight Team can help importers implement the best 10+2 Solution avoiding disruptions in your global supply chains.

The new 10+2 requirements will require having the right software technology to enable compliance. Finding the best 10+2 software to meet your company’s unique needs will require knowledgeable experts to assist you.

Freight Team is an expert in the new 10+2 CBP Program. We can help make sure your company is in full compliance at the lowest out-of-pocket cost to you.

click here for CBP ISF/"10+2" 2009 Outreach Schedule

Give Freight Team a call today …
call us (310) 256-3212 to discuss your 10+2 Importer Security Filing needs or email us at: info@freightteam.com.

For complete details and information on the CBP Importer Security Filing, go to:  www.logisticswisdom.com