If you handle US ocean imports, ISF (Importer Security Filing) isn't optional—it's federally mandated. Missing or late filings mean penalties, cargo holds, and unhappy customers.
ISF filing software streamlines this compliance requirement, transforming manual data collection and CBP submission into an automated workflow. Done right, your team files ISF accurately and on time without firefighting every shipment.
The challenge: ISF touches multiple parties (importer, shipper, consolidator, carrier) and requires data that often lives in different systems. Poor ISF software means manual data gathering, rework, and compliance anxiety.
Good ISF software integrates with your freight management workflow—data flows from booking to ISF filing without re-entry or manual reconciliation.
This guide covers:
Whether you're filing ISF yourself or managing it for customers, understanding the software landscape helps you make informed decisions.
ISF (Importer Security Filing), also known as 10+2, requires importers (or their agents) to submit specific cargo information to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before ocean shipments depart foreign ports.
Timeline:
The "10+2" Name:
Penalties:
Operational Impact:
Importer of Record: Ultimate responsibility lies with the importer
Common Filers:
1. Data Collection
Software gathers the 10 required data elements from:
2. Validation
Before submission, software validates:
3. Transmission
Software transmits ISF data to CBP via:
4. Status Tracking
After submission, software tracks:
Standalone ISF Software
Dedicated ISF filing tools used alongside separate freight management systems.
Pros: Specialized functionality
Cons: Data re-entry, system silos
Integrated FMS/ISF
ISF filing built into freight management platform—data flows from shipment to ISF automatically.
Pros: No re-entry, seamless workflow
Cons: Requires FMS with ISF capability
Customs Broker Filing
Broker handles ISF; forwarder provides data.
Pros: Compliance outsourced
Cons: Communication overhead, less visibility
Booking Created → Customer Data Auto-Populated → Cargo Details Entered → ISF Generated → CBP Transmission → Status Tracked → Shipment Record Updated
When ISF lives within your freight management workflow, the compliance burden shrinks dramatically.
1. ABI/CBP Connectivity
Direct transmission to CBP eliminates manual portal filing.
2. Data Validation
Pre-submission checks catch errors before they become rejections.
3. Timing Alerts
Notifications when ISF deadline approaches—critical for avoiding late filing penalties.
4. Status Tracking
Real-time visibility into ISF acceptance, holds, and match status.
5. Amendment Handling
Easy amendment workflow when cargo details change.
Auto-Population
Customer profiles, HTS codes, and standard party information populate automatically from historical data.
Bond Management
Track ISF bonds alongside filing activity.
Reporting & Analytics
Filing history, rejection patterns, and compliance metrics.
Multi-User Workflow
Assign ISF responsibility, track completion, manage by exception.
Shipment Data Connection
ISF software should pull from shipment/booking data—not require separate entry.
Customer Database
Importer information, IRS numbers, and standard ship-to parties should be available automatically.
Carrier Data
SCAC codes, vessel/voyage information from carrier booking confirmations.
Entry System
ISF eventually matches to customs entry—integration provides visibility across the compliance lifecycle.
GoFreight
ISF filing integrated with freight management platform. Shipment data flows to ISF without re-entry. Status tracking visible from shipment record.
"GoFreight is very user friendly, and I am quick in the system." — Janko Wille, CEO, Allround Forwarding Midwest
CargoWise
Comprehensive ISF capabilities within enterprise platform. Deep customs functionality.
Magaya
ISF available as part of forwarding platform.
Descartes CustomsInfo
Dedicated trade compliance tools including ISF filing.
Integration Point
ABI connectivity and customs filing services.
Various Customs Broker Portals
Many brokers offer filing portals for forwarders managing ISF.
| Approach | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated FMS | No re-entry, seamless workflow | Requires FMS with capability |
| Standalone tools | Specialized functionality | Data silos, manual transfer |
| Broker filing | Compliance outsourced | Less visibility, communication overhead |
You handle ISF in-house:
→ Integrated FMS approach (GoFreight, CargoWise) eliminates re-entry and provides visibility
You have dedicated customs staff:
→ Standalone tools may work if staff manages separate systems
You outsource to customs broker:
→ Ensure clear data handoff process; consider FMS with broker visibility
1. Collect Data Early
Don't wait until booking confirmation to gather ISF data. Request from customers at quote stage when possible.
2. Standardize Customer Profiles
Build complete importer profiles once—reuse for every shipment.
3. Monitor Timelines
Build ISF deadline tracking into your workflow. Late filings are the most common penalty trigger.
4. Verify Before Submission
Automated validation catches format errors. Human review catches logical errors.
5. Track Amendments
When cargo details change (quantities, HTS codes, parties), ensure ISF amendments follow.
Filing Late
24-hour rule is strict. Missing the deadline means penalties regardless of accuracy.
Incorrect HTS Codes
ISF requires minimum 6-digit HTS. Incorrect codes create matching issues and potential holds.
Party Information Errors
Manufacturer, seller, buyer details must be accurate and complete.
Ignoring Rejections
CBP rejections require prompt response. Ignored rejections remain non-compliant.
What is ISF filing software?
ISF filing software helps importers and their agents submit required security filing data (10+2) to US Customs and Border Protection for ocean imports. It handles data collection, validation, CBP transmission, and status tracking.
Do I need separate ISF software?
Not necessarily. Modern freight management systems like GoFreight include ISF filing capabilities. Integrated platforms eliminate the data re-entry required when using standalone tools.
What happens if ISF is filed late?
CBP can assess penalties up to $5,000 per violation for late ISF filings. Additionally, cargo may be held for examination, and repeat offenders face increased scrutiny.
Who is responsible for ISF filing?
The importer of record has ultimate responsibility. In practice, customs brokers file most ISF, with freight forwarders providing data or filing when authorized.
What data is required for ISF?
ISF requires 10 data elements from importers: manufacturer, seller, buyer, ship-to party, stuffing location, consolidator, importer number, consignee number, country of origin, and HTSUS code.
Can ISF be amended?
Yes. ISF amendments are allowed until 24 hours before vessel arrival. Good ISF software makes amendments easy when cargo details change.
ISF compliance doesn't have to mean manual data gathering and deadline anxiety. The right software transforms ISF from burden to automated workflow.
For freight forwarders handling US ocean imports, integrated ISF capability within your freight management platform delivers the best outcome:
"Switching to GoFreight was a game-changer... I save at least 50% of my time." — Jason Hsu, Owner, Whale US
Standalone ISF tools work, but they create data silos and manual processes. Integration eliminates this overhead.
Whether you file ISF in-house or coordinate with customs brokers, software that connects compliance to operations reduces risk and saves time.
Need ISF filing as part of complete FMS? Request a GoFreight Demo →