Importers are responsible for submitting TEN data elements to Customs 24 hours PRIOR to vessel lading. This rule applies to ocean shipments only. The ten data elements are as follows:

1. Importer of Record Number

2. Consignee Number

3. Seller (Owner) – name and address

4. Buyer (Owner) – name and address

5. *Ship to Party – name and address

6. *Manufacturer or Supplier: name and address

7. *Country of Origin

8. *Commodity HTS classification number: only the first six digits required

9. **Container Stuffing Location

10. **Consolidator (Stuffer) Name/Address

*These four elements can be amended at a later date.
** These two elements can be filed after the vessel departs but no later than 24 hours prior to U.S. arrival.

Who can file the ISF?

It is the importer’s responsibility to file the ISF. The ISF must be filed either via the Automated Manifest System (AMS) or the Automated Broker Interface (ABI). Due to this requirement, in most cases the importer will designate an authorized agent to file the ISF on their behalf. The importer may designate either the AMS filing freight carrier or their Customs Broker to file the ISF. Signing Cargocentric’s Power of Attorney provides this authorization.