(Updated: January 13, 2010)

DHL Global Forwarding is committed to providing our customers with continued updates on the proposed Import Security Filing / 10+2 by CBP. As U.S. Customs and Border protection move to the enforcement phase commencing on January 26, 2010, this letter serves as an important reminder of what is needed for DHL Global Forwarding to correctly process your ISF 10+2 files.

DHL Global Forwarding will act as your ISF filing agent. We will be relying on the importer or your vendors to provide accurate and timely information. DHL Global Forwarding will not be responsible if given inaccurate or untimely information. Should you have any questions please contact your local DHL Global Forwarding representative. Our standard terms and conditions can be viewed at http://www.dhl-dgf.com.

The interim Final rule for Importer Security Filing (ISF/10+2) requires the importer to submit at least eight of the ten data elements in advance of the vessel loading with cargo destined to the United States. This includes cargo that is moving to the border on a CF7512 IT.

ISF Data Elements:

DHL requires the following data elements 3 business days prior to the cargo being laden aboard a vessel.

  1. Seller’s name, address, city, country, zip
  2. Buyer’s name, address, city, country, zip
  3. Importer / foreign trade zone applicant identification # (IRS or CBP assigned #)
  4. Consignee number(s) (IRS# or CBP#)
  5. Ship-to party name, address, city, country, zip *
  6. Manufacturer (or supplier) *
  7. Country of Origin *
  8. Harmonized Tariff Schedule Number (6-digits or 10 digits) *

*Note: Importer may submit a range of responses for these data elements.

Importers may utilize the flexible filing option for the following data elements and provide the information 24 hours prior to the ship’s arrival at the first U.S. port.

  1. Container stuffing location
  2. Consolidator name, address, city, country, zip

Bond Requirements:

New bond requirements for the Import Security Filing (ISF/10+2) need to be in place prior to January 26, 2010. Importers and filers are urged to have a Continuous Bond in place. Customers utilizing a Single Entry Bond (SEB), including those with DDP terms of sale, may have the cargo movement negatively impacted as CBP has just recently provided the bond underwriters an ISF (SEB) form to utilize. While we anticipate having an ISF (SEB) in place by January 26th, 2010, the cost will be prohibitive and cargo delays could result if the ISF (SEB) is not available.

DGF NVOCC Shipments:

DHL Global Forwarding will not hold cargo at the origin unless we have a contractual agreement with the customer which requires that we do so.

Suggested Improvements:

Throughout the last year we have worked with a number of customers to develop integrated solutions for our customers such as:

  1. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) – Receive the 10 data elements electronically + transportation reference data directly from the importer or vendor 48 hours before.
  2. Integrated Filing – Both the (ISF/10+2) and the entry to CBP are completed utilizing single system input by both our origin offices and our U.S. brokerage team.
  3. Supplier work instructions – Involve the suppliers by advising them of the ISF filing process and procedures.
  4. Audit tracking – Track the on-time filing, late filing, supplier compliance, and filer compliance to better monitor and control the overall process.

Important Websites pertaining to (ISF/10+2):

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/automated/automated_systems/sf_transaction_sets/
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/carriers/security_filing/

DHL Global Forwarding looks forward to providing our customers options for filing (ISF/10+2) information to CBP. Please remember that the importer of record is ultimately responsible for filing the (ISF/10+2) information. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your local DHL Global Forwarding Sales Representative.