Author: Mai Tấn LợiAir 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
- Manufacturer or supplier (name and address)
- Seller
- Buyer
- Ship-to party
- Container stuffing location
- Consolidator (stuffer)
- Importer of record number
- Consignee number
- Country of origin of the goods
- 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 for how shared containers work.
ISF vs AMS
| 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 |
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.
- FDA Prior Notice: advance notice to the Food and Drug Administration, for food products only [4].
Preparing an ISF for a shipment from Vietnam
- At booking: confirm who is the importer of record in the US and who files the ISF.
- Before stuffing: the shipper provides the manufacturer’s name and address, the stuffing location, the 6-digit HS code and the country of origin.
- Cross-check: match the ISF data against the commercial invoice, packing list and draft bill of lading.
- File: the broker or authorized party files before the 24-hour deadline and receives CBP’s acceptance.
- AMS: the carrier or consolidator files AMS with the same data.
- 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 and US tariffs on Vietnam goods in 2026. For advice, message us on WhatsApp or request a quote.
Sources
- 19 CFR Part 149, Importer Security Filing. ecfr.gov
- 19 CFR 4.7, Inward foreign manifest; advance electronic cargo information. ecfr.gov
- USDA APHIS, “Lacey Act Declaration Requirements”. aphis.usda.gov
- 21 CFR Part 1, Subpart I, Prior Notice of Imported Food. ecfr.gov
Frequently asked questions
What is an ISF filing?
ISF (Importer Security Filing), often called ISF 10+2, is a security filing that the US importer must submit to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before ocean cargo is loaded onto the vessel at the foreign port. The legal basis is 19 CFR Part 149.
What is AMS?
AMS (Automated Manifest System) is the electronic system that ocean carriers and consolidators use to file the cargo manifest with US Customs. The manifest must be filed before the cargo is loaded at the foreign port.
When is the ISF deadline?
For containerized cargo, the ISF must be filed at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel at the port of origin, for example Cat Lai or Cai Mep in Vietnam.
What is the penalty for a late or inaccurate ISF?
CBP can assess up to USD 5,000 per violation for a late, inaccurate or incomplete ISF, collected as liquidated damages under the ISF bond. Cargo can also be held for inspection at the US port, adding storage costs.
Who is responsible for filing the ISF?
Legal responsibility sits with the ISF filer, usually the importer of record in the United States. In practice, a customs broker or logistics provider files it on their behalf, using information supplied by the shipper in Vietnam.
Do personal shipments by sea need an ISF?
Yes. ISF applies to ocean cargo entering the US generally, not only commercial goods. In consolidated services, the consolidator usually files on the basis of the sender's and recipient's details.
Hotline 24/7:+84 938 373 343|+84 944 247 267
