? Do you know exactly where and how to file the Importer Security Filing (ISF) when you import English wheels into the United States?

What ISF Is and Why It Matters

The ISF — commonly called “10+2” — is an electronic filing requirement for ocean cargo destined to the United States. You must provide key shipment facts to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in advance of the vessel’s departure from the foreign port. The goal is simple: give CBP enough information to assess risk before cargo reaches U.S. shores. For you, that means avoiding holds, penalties, and costly delays that can halt your production, deliveries, or repairs that rely on English wheels.

Who Is Responsible for Filing ISF for English Wheels

You have options, but responsibility remains with you as the importer of record unless you explicitly authorize someone else. The parties who commonly file ISF are:

• You (self-filer) — if you have an ACE portal account or proprietary filing software.
• Your customs broker — the most common and recommended choice because brokers understand tariff classification, valuation, and compliance.
• Your freight forwarder or non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC) — frequently files on behalf of importers.
• The carrier in limited cases — carriers typically file the two carrier-specific elements, but they seldom accept responsibility for the entire ISF unless contracted to do so.

Choosing who files affects control, liability, and timelines. You can authorize a broker to file on your behalf, but you must supply accurate information and keep records. Ultimately, CBP looks to the importer of record for compliance.

When and Where You Must File

You must submit the ISF electronically to U.S. Customs and Border Protection through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) or via an approved agent who uses ACE. The filing deadline is strict: the ISF must be received by CBP no later than 24 hours before container stuffing at the foreign port — in practice, this is usually interpreted as no later than 24 hours before the vessel departs the last foreign port at which the cargo is loaded for shipment to the U.S.

Key timing points:

• For containerized cargo, file at least 24 hours prior to lading at the foreign port.
• For breakbulk or Ro/Ro cargo, file before cargo is loaded on the vessel.
• For consolidated shipments (LCL), you must file before consolidation (often handled by the consolidator).
• If you fail to meet the timing requirements, you risk penalties and cargo holds.

The system you use to submit is ACE. Practically, you will either file through your customs broker’s ACE connection, through forwarder software that submits to ACE, or your own ACE account if you choose to self-file.

The 10+2 Data Elements — What You Must Provide

ISF traditionally is called “10+2” because the importer or its agent must provide ten data elements and the carrier provides two additional elements. You must ensure the ten importer-responsible elements are accurate and complete. Briefly, the ten elements you will be asked for are:

• Seller (name and address)
• Buyer (name and address)
• Importer of record number (or foreign trade zone applicant ID)
• Consignee number(s)
• Manufacturer (or supplier) name and address
• Ship-to party (name and address)
• Country of origin of the goods
• Commodity HTSUS number (Harmonized Tariff Schedule)
• Container stuffing location (where goods were loaded into the container)
• Consolidator name (if cargo is consolidated)

The carrier is responsible for two additional pieces of information (the “+2”) such as stow plan or container tracking messages that help CBP understand where containers are located onboard a vessel and their relative risk.

You must be clear about what each element means. For example, “manufacturer” may be different from “seller” when you buy through an agent. “Consignee” is not always the same as “deliver-to party.” If you cannot identify these elements precisely, you should not guess — clarify with your supplier, broker, or forwarder.

How to File ISF — Step-by-Step User Journey

You will succeed with ISF filing if you follow a sequence that aligns with purchasing, logistics, and compliance.

Step 1 — Collect documentation:

• Commercial invoice
• Purchase order
• Bill of lading or booking confirmation
• Manufacturer details and country of origin
• Container stuffing location and consolidator information

Step 2 — Confirm who will file:

• Decide whether you will self-file or authorize your customs broker or forwarder.

Step 3 — Provide required data to the filer:

• Deliver accurate, legible information immediately after purchase or when booking is confirmed.

Step 4 — File electronically to CBP via ACE:

• Ensure the filer sends the ISF filing at least 24 hours before lading.

Step 5 — Obtain ISF confirmation:

• Record the ISF control number and keep it with your shipping records.

Step 6 — Monitor the voyage and be ready to amend:

• If any data changes (e.g., HTS, country of origin, manufacturer), file an amendment as soon as possible.

Step 7 — Prepare for arrival:

• Coordinate arrival documents, duty payment, and release details.

Step 8 — Retain records:

• Keep ISF documentation and supporting records for the CBP retention period (generally several years).

Below is a table that maps critical steps, who typically performs them, and what you must provide:

This sequence completes the journey from purchase to compliance and helps you anticipate possible failures.

Where Specifically to File for Different Shipping Scenarios

Where you file depends on your logistics mode. Use the following guidance:

• Full container load (FCL): Your customs broker or forwarder typically files the ISF on the basis of the booking information and stuffing location. If you self-file, you will use ACE and the booking details from the carrier.
• Less than container load (LCL) / Consolidated shipments: The consolidator or NVOCC often furnishes the container stuffing location and consolidator name; you must coordinate closely to ensure accurate data is submitted.
• Breakbulk or Ro/Ro: The ISF still applies. You must file before the cargo is loaded on the vessel. Your forwarder or broker should file for you.
• Used equipment or one-off machines: The ISF is required if the goods arrive by vessel. You must correctly identify manufacturer, country of origin, and HTS. If the origin is ambiguous, document your due diligence.
• Air shipments: ISF is not required for air freight to the U.S.; you will have other declarations to meet for air entries.

Where to file, in summary: electronically to CBP via ACE. Practically, you will almost always use a customs broker or freight forwarder unless you maintain an ACE account and the expertise in-house.

Classifying English Wheels: HTS and Value — Practical Guidance

You must provide an HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) number for the commodity element of the ISF. English wheels are metalworking tools and may fall within HTS Chapter 84 for machinery; precise classification depends on technical specifications and intended use.

Because HTS affects duty and risk assessment:

• Don’t guess the HTS. Confirm with your broker.
• If the machinery is custom-built, used, or includes components (motors, electric controls), classification can change.
• Consider requesting a CBP binding ruling (Formal Ruling) if you import English wheels frequently and classification is ambiguous or carries significant duty implications.

Value and purchase terms from your invoice will feed other ports-of-entry processes (entry summary, duty payment) so ensure that the invoice value you provide in the ISF aligns with your commercial documentation.

Special Cases and Edge Conditions You Must Know

The ISF regime contains several edge cases that often trip importers up when importing machinery like English wheels. You should consider these before shipment:

Used equipment:

• You still must file ISF for ocean shipments.
• Country of origin and manufacturer fields can be tricky — if the original manufacturer is unknown, document your attempts to identify it.

Kits, spare parts, and multiple-line shipments:

• The ISF commodity element can accept multiple HTS numbers; ensure you provide the one most relevant to CBP risk analysis.
• If a shipment contains multiple types of goods, identify the primary commodity when possible and provide accurate supporting documentation.

Drop-shipped goods:

• If the seller ships directly from overseas to your consignee in the U.S., you still must ensure ISF is filed. Clarify whether the supplier or your broker will file.

Temporary imports / ATA Carnet:

• ATA Carnets handle temporary imports; however, you still must verify whether an ISF is required for the ocean leg. Coordinate with your broker and the carnet issuer.

Transshipments and hub ports:

• If cargo transships through a third country en route to the U.S., you must ensure ISF is filed relative to the foreign port where the container is stuffed for the final leg to the U.S.

Bonded warehouses and in-bond movements:

• ISF still applies; your broker will manage follow-on in-bond paperwork.

Container stuffing location ambiguity:

• Provide the exact place and address where the container was stuffed. Vague entries can prompt CBP questioning.

Missing or late data:

• If information is missing or changes after filing, file an amendment promptly. Late amendments increase your exposure to penalties.

Amendments: When and How to Correct an ISF

Mistakes happen. You can amend an ISF, but timeliness matters:

• Amend as soon as you discover incorrect or incomplete data.
• Some data elements can be amended up to the vessel’s arrival in the U.S.; some amendments after arrival significantly increase compliance risk.
• Frequent or large amendments attract CBP scrutiny and can lead to penalties.

Your broker should be instructed immediately when errors are discovered. Maintain a chain of correspondence that documents the correction and reason.

Penalties and Consequences — What You Risk

CBP enforces ISF compliance. If you fail to file, file late, or file inaccurate information, consequences may include:

• Civil penalties or fines.
• Cargo holds or inspections, leading to demurrage and storage charges.
• Delays that disrupt your supply chain.
• Increased scrutiny on future shipments.

The magnitude of penalties varies and can be substantial. Do not treat the ISF as a pro forma exercise; accuracy and timing are compliance priorities.

Recordkeeping and Audit Readiness

You must retain ISF records and supporting documentation. Although retention periods can vary, you should keep these documents for at least five years or as advised by your customs counsel. Records should include:

• ISF confirmation and control numbers.
• Commercial invoices and purchase orders.
• Evidence of manufacturer, supplier, and country of origin.
• Communication with brokers, carriers, and suppliers.

Good recordkeeping helps you defend against CBP disputes and enables quick remediation if CBP requests supplemental information.

Practical Compliance Tips Specific to English Wheels

• Begin ISF preparation at the purchase order stage. The later you wait, the higher the risk of missing the 24-hour rule.
• Get clear manufacturer information. English wheels may be custom-made or reconditioned; document manufacturer or fabricator details in writing.
• Verify HTS classification with your broker; provide supporting technical specifications (weight, material, motor specs).
• If the English wheel includes electric motors, include motor manufacturer and model numbers in your documentation — these details can affect classification.
• For used or refurbished equipment, include records proving prior use and refurbishment work, including dates and locations.
• Use accurate container stuffing location details — a specific warehouse address is better than “factory.”

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake: Late or missing ISF.

• Avoidance: Start early, communicate with suppliers immediately after purchase.

Mistake: Incorrect manufacturer or country of origin.

• Avoidance: Obtain written confirmation from the seller or manufacturer and include it in your broker packet.

Mistake: Wrong HTS code.

• Avoidance: Ask your customs broker for a classification opinion or file for a binding ruling if necessary.

Mistake: Relying on the carrier to file full ISF.

• Avoidance: Confirm in writing who is responsible for each ISF element before shipment, and request ISF control number.

Mistake: Not retaining records.

• Avoidance: Implement a records retention policy for all import-related documents and ISF confirmations.

Where to File — Direct Answer

You file ISF electronically to U.S. Customs and Border Protection through the ACE portal. Practically, you will either:

• Have your customs broker or freight forwarder submit the ISF on your behalf via ACE; or
• Self-file if you have ACE access and the necessary experience and systems.

If you need to know the specific submission channels available:

• ACE Portal/Software: For importers or brokers with direct ACE access.
• Broker/Forwarder Systems: Most importers use a customs broker who files on their behalf.
• Carrier/NVOCC Systems: Carriers submit the two carrier elements and sometimes offer ISF filing services; confirm scope and liability.

Choose the filing channel that gives you the best combination of accuracy, speed, and audit defense. For most importers of machinery like English wheels, using a customs broker is the safest, most pragmatic approach.

Example Scenarios (Concrete Illustrations)

Below are realistic scenarios that show where you will file and what you should expect:

These examples show that responsibility can be shared, but you must verify who will file and receive proof.

After the ISF: Arrival, Inspection, and Release

Filing ISF is necessary but not sufficient to secure release. When the vessel arrives:

• CBP may select cargo for exam. If your ISF is accurate and complete, you reduce the likelihood of invasive inspections.
• Your broker will submit entry documentation (entry summary and duties) upon arrival.
• If CBP finds discrepancies between ISF data and arrival documents, you must respond and provide records.

Make sure your logistical and finance teams are ready to pay duties and respond quickly to CBP inquiries. The ISF is an upstream control; downstream processes still matter.

Costs: Filing Fees and Broker Charges

Filing ISF typically involves a nominal fee charged by brokers or forwarders for preparation and submission. The actual amount varies by provider. Consider the filing fee a small price to avoid the far larger costs of delays, inspections, and penalties. If your broker charges for amendments, be aware and minimize the need by providing accurate information up front.

Final Practical Checklist Before Shipment

Use this checklist when importing an English wheel to the U.S.:

• Confirm who will file ISF and obtain written confirmation.
• Collect and verify seller, buyer, manufacturer, and consignee details.
• Obtain exact container stuffing location and consolidator name if applicable.
• Determine and confirm HTS classification with broker.
• Provide accurate country of origin and invoice value.
• Instruct filer to submit ISF ≥24 hours before lading and request control number.
• Keep ISF confirmation and supporting records for audits.
• Prepare for arrival: entry filing, duty payment, and potential inspections.

Conclusion — What You Must Take Away

If you import English wheels by ocean freight to the U.S., you must file an ISF electronically to CBP, typically via ACE. You are responsible for ensuring the filing is accurate and timely, even if you delegate the task to a broker or forwarder. Start preparation early, document everything, and confirm in writing who files what. The ISF is not a bureaucratic checkbox; it is a compliance gatekeeper that protects your supply chain from delays, extra costs, and regulatory headaches. You will save time and money by being methodical, transparent with your partners, and resolute about compliance.