# ISF filing and AMS for ocean shipments from Vietnam to the US

> ISF filing explained: 10+2 data elements, 24-hour rule before loading, penalties up to USD 5,000, how ISF differs from AMS. Sourced from 19 CFR Part 149.

Canonical: https://gatewayexpress.vn/en/sea-freight/isf-filing/
Last updated: 2026-09-23

Air cargo to the US is declared around arrival. **Ocean** cargo is different: two filings must be complete **before the container is loaded on the ship** in Vietnam. These are the **ISF**, filed on the importer's side, and **AMS**, filed by the ocean carrier or consolidator. If either is missing, the cargo may not be loaded, or it can be held and penalized when it reaches the United States.

This page explains both filings under US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, **as of 23 September 2026**.

## What is ISF 10+2?

The Importer Security Filing (ISF) is an electronic filing CBP requires for ocean cargo entering the United States, set out in **19 CFR Part 149** [1]. The name "10+2" comes from the data required: **10 elements from the importer** and **2 from the ocean carrier**.

Its purpose is to let CBP assess the security risk of a shipment before it leaves the foreign port, rather than when it arrives in the US.

### The 10 importer data elements

1. Manufacturer or supplier (name and address)
2. Seller
3. Buyer
4. Ship-to party
5. Container stuffing location
6. Consolidator (stuffer)
7. Importer of record number
8. Consignee number
9. Country of origin of the goods
10. Commodity HTS number to 6 digits

**The 2 carrier elements:** the vessel stow plan and container status messages.

Most of these details sit with the shipper in Vietnam: the factory name and address, the stuffing location, the HS code and the origin. So even though the ISF is filed on the US side, **the shipper needs to supply accurate data from the start**, especially the factory address and HS code.

### When must the ISF be filed?

For containerized cargo, the ISF must be filed **at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded on the vessel** at the port of origin [1]. If the ship sails from Cat Lai on Friday morning, the ISF needs to be in at least a day before loading. In practice, your logistics provider will set an earlier cut-off for your data so there is time to check it.

### Penalties for late or incorrect filing

A late, inaccurate or incomplete ISF can draw up to **USD 5,000 per violation**, collected as liquidated damages under the ISF bond [1]. CBP has mitigation guidelines, but the cargo can still be held for inspection, running up storage charges at the US port.

## What is AMS?

The Automated Manifest System (AMS) is the electronic channel through which the **ocean carrier or consolidator** files the cargo manifest with CBP. Under the ocean manifest rules, cargo information must be filed **24 hours before the cargo is loaded** at the foreign port [2].

For LCL (less than container load) cargo, the consolidator files AMS for each house bill of lading, and the carrier files for the master bill of lading. See [LCL vs FCL](https://gatewayexpress.vn/en/sea-freight/lcl-vs-fcl/) for how shared containers work.

## ISF vs AMS

<div class="overflow-x-auto">

| | ISF 10+2 | AMS |
|---|---|---|
| Filed by | The US importer or its authorized broker | The ocean carrier or consolidator |
| Content | Commercial data: manufacturer, buyer and seller, HS code, origin | Transport data: bill of lading, shipper, consignee, goods description, container |
| Deadline | 24 hours before loading | 24 hours before loading |
| Legal basis | 19 CFR Part 149 | 19 CFR 4.7 |
| Risk if wrong | Up to USD 5,000 per violation, cargo held | Cargo may not be loaded, or may be held |

</div>

The ISF and AMS must **match**: consignee name, goods description and bill of lading numbers. Mismatches between the two are a common reason CBP holds cargo for inspection.

## Other filings that often go with ocean cargo to the US

- **Importer registration (CBP Form 5106):** the importer number used on the ISF and the entry. Customs broker advisories summarizing CBP notices under Executive Order 14411 (we have not been able to check the original CBP text) report that from 18 September 2026 CBP may deactivate an importer number whose registration details are incorrect or cannot be verified, blocking entries until fixed. US consignees should review their registration before the cargo sails.
- **Lacey Act declaration (form PPQ 505):** for goods containing wood or plant material listed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). From 1 January 2026, APHIS accepts declarations only electronically through ACE or LAWGS, not on paper [3]. Wooden furniture needs particular care; see [importing furniture from Vietnam](https://gatewayexpress.vn/en/sea-freight/importing-furniture-from-vietnam/).
- **FDA Prior Notice:** advance notice to the Food and Drug Administration, for food products only [4].

## Preparing an ISF for a shipment from Vietnam

1. **At booking:** confirm who is the importer of record in the US and who files the ISF.
2. **Before stuffing:** the shipper provides the manufacturer's name and address, the stuffing location, the 6-digit HS code and the country of origin.
3. **Cross-check:** match the ISF data against the commercial invoice, packing list and draft bill of lading.
4. **File:** the broker or authorized party files before the 24-hour deadline and receives CBP's acceptance.
5. **AMS:** the carrier or consolidator files AMS with the same data.
6. **Track changes:** if the vessel, container or consignee changes, the ISF must be updated.

When you ship by sea to the US with Gateway Express, we send the list of ISF data needed as soon as we receive the booking and coordinate with the US broker to file on time. See [shipping from Vietnam to the USA by sea](https://gatewayexpress.vn/en/sea-freight/vietnam-to-usa/) and [US tariffs on Vietnam goods in 2026](https://gatewayexpress.vn/en/sea-freight/us-tariffs-on-vietnam-goods/). For advice, message us on [WhatsApp](https://wa.me/84938373343) or [request a quote](https://gatewayexpress.vn/en/get-a-quote/).

## Sources

1. 19 CFR Part 149, Importer Security Filing. [ecfr.gov](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-149)
2. 19 CFR 4.7, Inward foreign manifest; advance electronic cargo information. [ecfr.gov](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/section-4.7)
3. USDA APHIS, "Lacey Act Declaration Requirements". [aphis.usda.gov](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-imports/file-lacey-act-declaration/requirements)
4. 21 CFR Part 1, Subpart I, Prior Notice of Imported Food. [ecfr.gov](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-1/subpart-I)