ISF Progress Reports l Second Round Released

Barrington, IL, Aug. 24 /PRWeb/ -- The Importer Security Filing (ISF), also known 10+2, is a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulation requiring importers and vessel carriers to provide advance data elements electronically to CBP for non-bulk cargo shipments in-bound into the United States by vessel. The focus of this initiative is to improve CBP's ability to recognize high-risk shipments in advance to ensure the safety of America's borders. The penalty phase of ISF begins January 2010. CBP is issuing progress reports periodically up until the final implementation date of ISF. These report cards are a way for importers to gauge the timeliness and accuracy of their ISF to date.

CBP has released the second set of Importer Security Filing (ISF) progress reports. These reports contain data ranging from 5/19/09 through 8/06/09 and was generated by CBP according to their criteria. TRG Direct, a leading provider of web-based software for ISF and consumption entry filing, noted that an importer’s progress with their importer security filing program prior to a violation will be a major mitigating factor come the penalty phase. Importers are able to request their ISF progress report direct from U.S. Customs or they will receive a copy from the party filing on their behalf. This report is helping many companies adjust their business processes as problems arise during this phase of ISF.

For those companies who have been hesitant to react to importer security filing, stiff monetary penalties will be the result. The mitigation guidelines were posted in Customs’ Bulletin & Decisions in mid-July. After the announcement of a $5,000 penalty for non-compliance, TRG Direct experienced a jump in new filers. Many importers that have relied on their broker or a different, less user friendly system have come to the company in hopes of increasing accuracy and timeliness of their ISF. Cost effective solutions that will help the importer to comply are available and importers can start filing right away. http://www.trgdirect.com/

Direct filing importers are working closely with their software providers, such as TRG Direct, to fully understand their progress report and determine what changes, if any need to be made. One such result from review of an Importer Security Filing report card is the implementation of vendor and supplier compliance programs. "It seems that the two most troubling situations for importers right now are the inability to get the bill of lading number in advance and/or lack of suppliers and vendors compliance," noted Mike Laden, President, TRG Direct, "In response we have created suggested notifications for our customers to use in correspondence with their overseas partners. We have seen quite an improvement by our filers".

About TRG Direct

Founded in 1991, TRG was ultimately committed to providing international traders the best possible option for U.S. Customs Bonds and Marine Cargo Insurance. After substantial growth, TRG recognized the need for a more economical option for importers to process their entry clearance. With that TRG Direct was born as a way for international traders to file their consumption entry with U.S. Customs in-house. Committed to addressing other needs of the industry, TRG Direct expanded its services to offer direct filing of ISF in addition to the entry.

TRG Direct consists of industry experts committed to developing related products that enhance the simplicity, safety and economics of international trading. The extensive background of the team consists of 25 years of Customs ABI development, 25 years underwriting Customs bonds and 30 years in supply chain security management. For more information, please visit http://www.trgdirect.com/.