A sudden increase in penalties from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for late ISF filings has been reported by importers and brokers. CBP has traditionally allotted several weeks or more from the time of export before considering penalty action for late ISF filings. However, now CBP is tightening their requirements and reportedly issuing penalties for ISFs filed on the same day as export.

The penalties incurred for failing to submit an ISF within the required timeframe or submitting incorrect ISF information can amount to $5,000.00 per infraction and/or up to $10,000.00 per transaction. It is critical that you, your suppliers, and your broker are all aware of and strictly abide to ISF filing requirements. Trans-Border’s import experts continue to adhere to best practices, including filing ISFs no later than 24 hours prior to cargo being loaded on board the last vessel that is departing to a US port of call.

We will continue to monitor the situation. If you have any questions, please reach out to Bill Carey, Import Compliance Manager, at bcarey@tbgfs.com or (800) 493-9444.