Licensed U.S. Customs Broker since 2000 Otay Mesa · San Diego, CA Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM PT Hablamos español

For ocean shipments entering the U.S.

ISF Filing Services (10+2)

Avoid penalties, stay compliant and keep your freight moving. IEL prepares, reviews and files your Importer Security Filing before your cargo loads.

Ocean importsNo need to be an existing clientFiled by licensed brokers

Overview

What is an ISF?

The Importer Security Filing is a U.S. Customs requirement for ocean cargo entering the United States. Importers must provide shipment information before cargo arrives so Customs and Border Protection can screen it.

IEL simplifies the filing and makes sure the required information is submitted accurately and on time.

If your goods travel by ship to the United States, U.S. Customs needs a short security report about the shipment before it is loaded at the origin port. That report is the ISF. Late or wrong filings can bring fines and holds.
In plain words
ISF Filing at Import Export Logistics

Improper filing can result in

  • Customs penalties
  • Shipment delays
  • Cargo holds
  • Increased examinations
  • Additional processing costs

Services

Complete filing support

  • ISF preparation

    We review your shipment information and prepare the filing details.

  • ISF submission

    Timely electronic filing with the appropriate authorities.

  • Documentation review

    Verification of shipment documents and filing information.

  • Compliance assistance

    Guidance to reduce filing errors and avoid penalties.

  • Shipment monitoring

    Coordination with you and your transportation providers when needed.

  • Customs support

    Integrated support from our customs brokerage team.

    Learn more
  • Need something not on this list?

    Tell us what you are moving. A person on our team will tell you how we can help.

Who we work with

  • Importers of ocean freight
  • First-time importers
  • Manufacturers
  • Distributors
  • Retailers

How it works

Simple 4-step process

  1. Complete the ISF request form

    Importer, supplier and shipment details.

  2. Send your documents

    Commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading if available.

  3. IEL reviews and files

    We check the information and file the ISF.

  4. Receive confirmation

    You get confirmation once the filing is accepted.

Be ready

Information required

Importer

  • Company name
  • Importer number / EIN
  • Contact name, email and phone

Supplier

  • Supplier name
  • Supplier address
  • Country of origin

Shipment

  • Vessel name and voyage number
  • Container and booking number
  • Port of loading and port of arrival
  • Estimated arrival date

Documents

  • Commercial invoice
  • Packing list
  • Bill of lading, if available

Online request

Submit your ISF filing request

Send it at least 72 hours before the vessel loads so there is time to correct any errors before the deadline.

No documents yet? Send the form with what you have. We will tell you exactly what is missing.
Contact
Importer
Supplier
Shipment
Documents
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (optional)

PDF, JPG, PNG, Word or Excel. Up to 10 MB each.

Choose files or drag them here PDF, JPG, PNG, Word, Excel

    A person on our team reads every request and replies within one business day. Fields marked * are required.

    ISF Filing questions

    Frequently asked questions

    See all questions & answers
    What is an ISF filing?

    An Importer Security Filing is a Customs requirement for ocean shipments entering the United States.

    When must an ISF be filed?

    ISF information must generally be submitted before cargo is loaded onto the vessel bound for the United States.

    What happens if I do not file?

    Improper filing can result in penalties, delays, examinations and shipment holds.

    Can IEL file my ISF?

    Yes. IEL provides complete ISF filing services and compliance support.

    Do I need to be an existing customer?

    No. ISF filing can be requested on its own.

    Can ISF services be combined with customs brokerage?

    Yes. ISF filing integrates directly with IEL customs brokerage.

    Get in touch

    Let's simplify your logistics

    Customs brokerage, bonded warehousing, transportation, Mexico distribution or a complete cross-border supply chain: tell us what you are moving and the right team answers.