ISF FILING FEE IFF

The ISF Filing Fee, abbreviated as IFF, pertains to the administrative cost associated with submitting the Importer Security Filing (10+2) to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This fee arises due to the regulatory requirement for importers to provide detailed information about their cargo at least 24 hours prior to the departure of the vessel bound for the United States. The purpose of this filing is to enhance security by allowing CBP to identify high-risk shipments and ensure compliance with U.S. import regulations.

The fee is typically collected by the freight forwarder or customs broker responsible for processing the ISF submission on behalf of the importer. The importer, as the filing party, is ultimately responsible for paying this fee. The ISF Filing Fee is applicable to all shipments entering the U.S. by ocean transport and is charged per entry, reflecting the complexity and administrative effort involved in compiling and submitting the required data.

Notably, the ISF Filing Fee is distinct from other customs-related charges, such as customs duties or Merchandise Processing Fees, as it specifically covers the administrative task of filing security data. A critical operational consideration is ensuring timely and accurate submission of the ISF to avoid costly penalties, which can amount to $5,000 per violation for non-compliance or late submission. Importers must work closely with their logistics partners to ensure all required information is gathered and submitted in a timely manner, safeguarding against disruptions in their supply chain.