Do I Have To File ISF For Adhesive Tape?

If you’re in the business of importing adhesive tape into the United States, you may be wondering whether or not you need to file an Importer Security Filing (ISF). ISF, also known as 10+2, is a requirement by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for cargo entering the country by ocean vessel. In this article, we’ll break down whether or not you need to file ISF for adhesive tape and what steps you need to take to ensure compliance.

What is ISF?

Let’s start by defining what ISF actually is. Importer Security Filing (ISF) is a mandatory filing that importers or their agents must submit to CBP before cargo is loaded onto an ocean vessel bound for the United States. The purpose of ISF is to enhance maritime security and improve CBP’s ability to identify high-risk shipments before they reach U.S. ports.

How does ISF work?

ISF consists of 10 data elements that must be filed by the importer, as well as 2 data elements that must be filed by the carrier. These data elements include information such as the shipper’s name and address, the consignee’s name and address, the container stuffing location, and the seal numbers used to secure the container. ISF must be filed no later than 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel at the foreign port.

Do I Need To File ISF for Adhesive Tape?

Now that we have a better understanding of what ISF is, let’s determine whether or not you need to file ISF for adhesive tape. In general, ISF is required for all ocean shipments entering the United States, regardless of the commodity being imported. This means that if you are importing adhesive tape by ocean vessel, you will need to file ISF.

Classifying Adhesive Tape

When determining whether or not you need to file ISF for adhesive tape, it’s important to consider how the tape is classified according to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). Adhesive tape is typically classified under HTS code 3919.10, which covers “self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip, of plastics.”

ISF Exemptions

While ISF is generally required for all ocean shipments, there are some exemptions to keep in mind. If your adhesive tape shipment qualifies for any of the following exemptions, you may not need to file ISF:

• Goods that are exempt from filing under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
• Foreign goods moving through the United States under a transportation and exportation (T&E) entry
• Goods imported by the U.S. government

How To File ISF for Adhesive Tape

If you determine that you do need to file ISF for your adhesive tape shipment, here are the steps you’ll need to take to ensure compliance with CBP requirements.

Obtain a Customs Bond

Before you can file ISF, you will need to obtain a Customs bond. A Customs bond guarantees that you will comply with all U.S. Customs regulations and pay any duties or fees owed on your shipment. There are two types of Customs bonds available: a single transaction bond (STB) for one-time importations and a continuous bond for frequent importers.

Gather Required Information

Next, you will need to gather all the required information to complete the ISF filing. This includes details such as the shipper’s name and address, the consignee’s name and address, the manufacturer’s name and address, the HTS code for the adhesive tape, and the container stuffing location. Make sure you have all the necessary information on hand before you begin the filing process.

File ISF Electronically

ISF must be filed electronically through the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) or the Automated Manifest System (AMS). You can hire a licensed Customs broker to file ISF on your behalf, or you can file it yourself if you have the necessary resources and expertise. Make sure to file ISF no later than 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel at the foreign port.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When filing ISF for adhesive tape, there are some common mistakes that importers often make. Here are a few to watch out for to ensure a smooth filing process:

Incorrect Information

Make sure all the information you provide in the ISF filing is accurate and up to date. Any errors or discrepancies can lead to delays in clearing your shipment through U.S. Customs.

Late Filing

Filing ISF late can result in penalties and fines from CBP. Make sure to submit your ISF no later than 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel to avoid any issues.

Not Updating Changes

If any information in your ISF filing changes after it has been submitted, make sure to update CBP as soon as possible. Failure to do so can lead to compliance issues and potential penalties.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with ISF requirements can result in penalties and fines from CBP. The minimum penalty for late or inaccurate ISF filings is $5,000 per violation, with a maximum penalty of $10,000 per violation. Repeat violations can lead to increased fines and potential shipment delays.

Mitigation of Penalties

If you do receive a penalty for non-compliance with ISF requirements, you may be able to mitigate the penalty by demonstrating that the violation was not intentional and taking corrective action to prevent future violations. It’s important to work with CBP to address any compliance issues and avoid costly penalties.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are importing adhesive tape into the United States by ocean vessel, you will likely need to file an Importer Security Filing (ISF) to comply with CBP requirements. Make sure to classify your adhesive tape shipment correctly, gather all the necessary information, and file ISF electronically to avoid penalties and ensure a smooth importing process. By understanding the ISF requirements and following best practices, you can import your adhesive tape shipments into the U.S. with confidence and peace of mind.