Are You Ready for 10+2?

Ready or not, the Importer Security Filing, also known as “10+2,” goes into effect on January 26th. This new security regulation by the US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) will require importers to submit ten additional information factors before a shipment can clear customs without incident, plus two more filings for vessel cargo.

CBP has advised that 2009 will be an interim period for the rule change and that they will show restraint in enforcing the rule as long as “importers are found to be making satisfactory progress toward compliance and showing a good faith effort to comply with the rule to the extent of their current ability.” Penalties will not be issued during this period, but CBP will not be likely to mitigate any penalties issued on or after 1/26/10. So companies should use this time wisely and get in compliance with '10+2' sooner, rather than later.

Just to make sure your transportation department doesn’t get tied down with red tape, here’s a list of the information factors that all importers will be required to submit before a shipment can clear customs under the new rules:

These factors make up the ‘ten’ in the 10+2:

1. Manufacturer (or supplier) name and address
2. Seller name and address
3. Buyer name and address
4. Ship to name and address
5. Container stuffing location
6. Consolidator (stuffer) name and address
7. Importer of record / FTZ (Free Trade Zone) applicant ID number
8. Consignee numbers (IRS number, EIN, SSN, or CBP assigned number of the individual(s) or firm(s) in the U.S. on whose account the merchandise is shipped. This element is the same as the "consignee number" on CBP Form 3461.)
9. Country of origin
10. Commodity (HTS Number / Up to the 6-digit level required, 10 is accepted)

The ’plus two’ consists of: (both of these are the responsibility of the carrier to report)

1. Container status messages
2. Vessel stow plans

Importers can choose to have a service provider, any party with a power of attorney and bond, complete the ISF on their behalf.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments. Even if we don't have the specific answers to your questions, we'll tell you where to find them!