New Cargo Security Requirements for Maritime Carriers and Importers under the Importer Security Filing 10+2
A brief overview
The Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements will help prevent terrorist weapons from being transported to the United States by requiring both importers and carriers to submit additional cargo information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before the cargo is brought into the United States by vessel.
The data submissions required must be delivered to CBP by way of a CBP-approved electronic data interchange system. This information will improve CBP's ability to identify high-risk shipments in order to prevent smuggling and ensure cargo safety and security.
These regulations specifically fulfill the requirements of the Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act of 2006 and the Trade Act of 2002, as amended by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002.
Previous Requirements for Carriers
Before the ISF 10+2 rule, carriers were required to submit advance cargo information for vessels no later than 24 hours before the cargo is laden aboard a vessel at a foreign port. This was commonly referred to as the "24-Hour Rule" Carriers were not previously required to submit vessel stow plans or container status messages to CBP.
Previous Requirements for Importers
Prior to the importer security filing requirements, importers were required to file entry information with CBP within 15 calendar days of the date of arrival of a shipment at a United States port of entry. In addition, within 10 working days of the entry of the merchandise, entry summary information must be submitted. Importers were not previously required to submit advance cargo information to CBP.