BDP Online App Facilitates ISF Compliance

PHILADELPHIA, June 20, 2013 – Global logistics solutions firm, BDP International, today announced that it offers an online application that collects, compiles and files the 10 data elements required for compliance with the Importer Security Filing, or 10+2 regulation.

Full enforcement of the regulation will begin on July 9, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), after which liquidated damages will be issued for filing incomplete, inaccurate or late documentation. In addition CBP can place holds on shipments with improper documentation and order full inspections, resulting in costly delays.

“Not filing (A Failure to File) or filing late will trigger penalties, and incomplete data will subject the filing to CBP scrutiny,” said Michael J. Ford, BDP vice president of regulatory compliance and quality. “ISF was enacted as a security measure, not a trade enforcement regulation.”

CBP requires importers to electronically submit the following data 24 hours before a cargo is loaded on a vessel bound for the U.S: names and addresses of the manufacturer or supplier, seller or owner, buyer or owner, ship-to, and consolidator or stuffer, as well as container stuffing location, importer of record number/foreign trade zone applicant identification number, consignee number(s), country of origin, and Commodity Harmonization Tariff Schedule number. In addition carriers are required to submit vessel stow plans and container status.

BDP’s web-enabled ISF compliance tool includes reporting and metrics functionality to ensure that the data filings are meeting the regulatory requirements. BDP has created an automated link to the import system, which creates a shell record for visibility and monitoring of the following: upcoming shipments; regulatory data such as party details (importer, supplier, manufacturer) and HTS sourced via BDP's electronic client profiles to support consistent and compliant filing; and hard copy print capacity for PDFs of ISF details on a per transaction basis.

“It continues to be important that bills of lading match up with ISF filings,” explained Ford. “Importers need to review their processes and ensure that ISF filings are submitted for all inbound shipments, so check the in-bond and residue shipments in your supply chain.

“Accountability and risk mitigation are business continuity imperatives for global traders, and comprehensive monitoring of compliance performance is the enabler," explained Ford. “For example, we deliver visibility of performance progress for clients using our BDPSmart® portal. Importers can also access their CBP’s Automated Customs Environment (ACE) portal, to provide monthly performance reports.”

Monitoring ISF and consulting with CBP, BDP originally developed its web-enabled ISF process visibility and compliance application in 2008 for deployment in 2009, when the regulation became effective. Since then hundreds of BDP’s clients have availed themselves of the service, as the company’s knowledge of advanced data filing has grown.

“We continue to compile and transmit clients’ import information to Customs in a timely fashion, and effectively manage the movement of thousands of shipments into the U.S., on time, intact and in compliance,” said Ford. “At the end of the day, there is no need to panic, but now is the time to bring the right resources to the table to make sure your compliance house is in very good order.”