TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What is Importer Security Filing (ISF)
• Who is Responsible for Applying?
• What is Required to Apply for ISF?
• How to Access an ISF Application & Agreement in UFH
• How to Complete an ISF Application
• How to Complete a ISF Pricing Agreement
• Submit Your ISF Application & Agreement in UFH

What is Importer Security Filing (ISF)

Importer Security Filing (ISF) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirement mandated for ocean cargo shipments entering the United States. It is a critical measure for enhancing supply chain security and ensuring compliance with customs regulations. The ISF filing process requires importers or their authorized agents to submit key cargo and shipment information prior to the shipment's arrival at a U.S. port. This includes details about the manufacturer, seller, buyer, consignee, country of origin, shipment location and more. 

Who is Responsible for Applying?

The responsibility of filing the ISF application and pricing agreement lies with the importer of record or their designated agent, such as a freight forwarder or customs broker. For freight forwarders, understanding ISF requirements is essential as they often play a vital role in ensuring accurate and timely submissions. Compliance with ISF rules not only avoids penalties but also helps facilitate smooth customs clearance. This makes mastering ISF filing an indispensable skill for those getting started with freight forwarding operations, particularly when using the UPS Forwarding Hub (UFH) to manage logistics effectively.

What is Required to Apply for ISF?

To apply for ISF you will need the following:

• Freight Forwarding Account Number

        Need an account number?  Request a Freight Account Number 

• UPS Brokerage Power of Attorney (POA) or your Broker information
  

        Need a customs broker?  Sign up for UPS Brokerage Services

• ISF Application (signed)

• ISF Agreement (signed)
  
  

The next sections will outline everything you need to submit your ISF application and pricing agreement, so you can transport cargo with ease.  

How to Access an ISF Application & Agreement in UFH

To apply for Importer Security and request a Pricing Agreement for ocean shipments imported into the U.S. follow the steps below.

(click images to enlarge)

Navigate to your 'Dashboard'

Locate the 'Setting Up for Success' tile, 

Click 'Complete Import Security Filing'

Select 'All Documents' tab

Locate the 'Importer Security Filing Setup' section 

'Download the PDF Template' forms ISF Application and ISF Pricing Agreement to your computer

Now you're ready to complete the ISF Application form!

How to Complete an ISF Application

This section will guide you through the steps to accurately complete your ISF application.  

'Open the Application' you downloaded to your computer and confirm all prefilled information is accurate. 

'Update additional fields' that may not have been auto filled.  

If you are not sure what to annotate in a field, check out the field instructions enclosed in the application on pages 4-6.

Save and 'Sign' the application

Now you are ready to submit your application, but before you do let's complete your pricing agreement form, so everything can be submitted together.

How to Complete a ISF Pricing Agreement

This section will guide you through the steps to accurately complete your ISF pricing agreement.  

'Open the Agreement' downloaded to your computer and confirm all prefilled information is accurate. 

'Update additional required fields' that may not have been auto filled.  

'Save' and 'Sign' the application

At this point you should have completed your ISF application, and you just finished the pricing agreement. Next you will need to upload both forms into UFH.

Submit Your ISF Application & Agreement in UFH

Once you have saved and signed your ISF Application and Agreement it's time to upload it for processing. Follow the next steps to submit your request.

Return to the account setup section in UFH.  If you are not sure how to access the section take a look at the second topic in this article 'How to Access an ISF Application and Agreement in UFH' to navigate your way back to the account setup area.

Select 'Upload' for the ISF Application or ISF Pricing Agreement

'Drag & Drop' your saved application and pricing agreement files here or 'click upload' to navigate to the form on your computer

Make sure you upload the correct form to the right area.

Confirm that the files successfully uploaded 

You are finished!

Once the ISF documents are successfully uploaded our accounts team will automatically receive your documents for processing.  Processing times vary but normally take up to 2 days for approval.

Learn More

• Sign up for UPS Brokerage Services
• Apply for Credit to Move Your Freight
• Request a Freight Account Number