All freight which is intended to pass through the territory of the United States is subject to the new Importer Security Filing requirement. Although the data elements are slightly reduced, foreign merchandise which is intended to move in-bond through the United States as well as freight which is intended to remain on board the vessel and merely transit the coastal waters of the United States are also subject to the ISF requirement 24 hours prior to lading. Break-bulk shipments and merchandise which is shipped in bulk are also subject to different ISF requirements.

The “10,” also known as the Importer Security Filing, requires importers to electronically transmit to CBP 10 data elements 24 hours before loading any container onto a ship bound for the United States. The 10 data elements 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 (stuffer) name and address
7. Importer of record number/foreign trade zone applicant identification number
8. Consignee number(s)
9. Country of origin
10. Commodity Harmonized Tariff Schedule number (HTSUS)