We are nearing the 11th hour of Importer Security Filing. The mitigation guidelines were published in Cusoms BUlletin & Decisions on July 17th. At this time reality is setting in for many importers who have not prepared for this very serious regulation with stiff monetary penalties.

6 Months Down 6 More To Go

Rich DiNucci, Director, Secure Freight Initiative, recentrly presented statistics on the industry's compliance over the first six months of the ISF implementation phase. Customs and Border Protection has received 1.4 million ISFs from 57,000 importers. Of these fiings 46% have been timely. Is your company on of the 57,000? If so, keep it up, CBP will recognize your effort and you will be rewarded. If not, call TRG Direct today and we can get you set up with an ISF direct filing program within days. Face the facts, your progress during this probationary period will be a factor next January when fines/penalties come into play.

ISF Liquidated Damages

Four factors that may cause a loss of integrity in the ISF may result in liquedated damages. These include; failure to submit, late submission, failure to update or failure to withdraw. Penaltry amounts will be assessed as $5,000 per ISF transmission up to $10,000. The first and second vioations made by the company may be forgiven for less than the $5,000 penalty.

6 Mitigation Factos

There will be six mitigation factors used to determine the strength of the liquidated damages and whether or not the penalties are dismissed.

1. Progress of the importer's ISF program,
2. Percentage of ISFs containing violations,
3. Tier 2 & 3 C-TPAT members will receive consideration up to 50%,
4. Action taken by the importer after a violation has occurred,
5. Circumstances beyond the importer's control,
6. Inaccurate information received by another party within the supply chain.

It's Not Too Late. Your ISF Solution is Here.

Become a direct filing partner with TRG Direct to take control of your ISF. We can get you up and filing within days and help guide you through this new regulation. Let us help you develop a successful direct filing program and prove to CBP you are committed to compliance. Not only is TRG Direct the most user friendly system available, you can filed your ISF for onloy $3 - $5.