Final Phase of ISF Enforcement


CBP has begun the next stage of enforcement of the Importer Security Filing (ISF) on May 14, 2015.  This is the final stage of ISF enforcement. Beginning May 14 2015 all penalty actions  for ISF violations will be initiated in each of the local Customs' Ports and copies will not be sent to CBP HQ for review and approval.  Also, the local Ports will not be required to issue 3 strikes before issuing penalties for liquidated damages.
 
The Ports will still have flexibility in their processes that were allowed during the previous stage of enforcement.   For example, in Los Angeles, CBP still plans to place holds on Cargo that does not have an ISF matched to it on the manifest within 4 days of arrival.  However, Los Angeles CBP will issue penalties to continually late ISF filers. Other Ports may still issue warnings while some may just take immediate penalty action.