?Are you running a dropshipping business and unsure how Importer Security Filing (ISF) applies to your Amazon shipments and compliance obligations?

ISF Filing For Dropshipping Businesses: FAQ For Amazon Sellers

This article gives you a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to ISF (Importer Security Filing) specifically for dropshipping sellers on Amazon. You’ll get practical answers, compliance tips, common edge cases, and a clear start-to-finish process so you can manage ISF responsibilities with confidence. This piece includes “Expertise Depth” to show the level of technical and procedural detail you can expect.

What is ISF and why it matters to you

ISF, commonly called the 10+2 rule, is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirement for ocean shipments arriving into the United States. It requires certain shipment data to be filed before the vessel departs the foreign port. For you, as a dropshipper selling on Amazon, ISF matters because failure to file correctly or on time can cause shipments to be delayed, fined, or even seized — and that directly impacts your seller metrics and customer satisfaction.

How ISF works, explained plainly

ISF requires you to supply specific data elements about the shipment, such as the importer of record, consignee, seller, buyer, manufacturer, country of origin, and more. The data must be submitted electronically to CBP at least 24 hours prior to loading at the foreign port for ocean shipments. If you don’t own the goods but are involved in selling them, understanding who holds the responsibility for ISF is crucial.

Who is responsible for ISF in dropshipping arrangements?

This section clarifies responsibility so you can determine your obligations and who you should coordinate with.

Importer of Record vs. Seller vs. Carrier

You may not be the importer of record (IOR) in many dropshipping setups. The IOR is the party legally responsible for imports and compliance with U.S. customs laws. If your supplier or a third-party is the IOR, they often file the ISF. If you are the designated IOR, you are responsible for ensuring the ISF is filed accurately and on time.

• If the supplier is the IOR: the supplier or their customs broker typically files the ISF.
• If you’re the IOR: you must file or authorize a customs broker to file ISF on your behalf.
• If a third-party logistics provider (3PL) handles imports: confirm whether they file ISF and obtain documentation.

How to determine who is IOR

You should check your sales agreements and any terms with suppliers and logistics partners. Ask directly: “Who is listed as the Importer of Record on customs paperwork?” If that’s unclear, request the broker’s name and proof of ISF filing for previous shipments.

Core ISF data elements you need to know

Below are the commonly required ISF data elements. Getting these correct is essential to avoid penalties.

The 10+2 data elements (what CBP requires)

You must supply the 10 mandatory importer-related elements and 2 carrier elements for ocean shipments:

• Seller name and address (first seller)
• Buyer name and address (first buyer)
• Importer of record (name and address)
• Consignee name and address
• Manufacturer name and address
• Ship-to name and address (if different)
• Container stuffing location
• Consolidator name and address
• Country of origin
• Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) or Harmonized System (HS) number (if available)
• Carrier’s vessel stow plan and container status messages (the “+2” items are handled by the carrier)

What you need to provide as a dropshipper

Even if you’re not the IOR, you may need to provide accurate information about the buyer, ship-to address, and product origin. Incorrect seller or buyer details can trigger inspections and delays.

When must ISF be filed?

Timing is one of the most important compliance points.

Filing deadlines

ISF must be filed at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded on a vessel at the foreign port bound for the U.S. This means you need to coordinate with your supplier or freight forwarder well in advance of shipment. Late filings can incur fines and increased inspections.

Consequences of late or inaccurate filings

CBP can impose penalties for failure to file, late filing, or filing inaccurate data. Common consequences include fines, hold orders, increased exams, and potential seizure of goods. These outcomes will damage your seller performance and could create significant financial loss.

ISF for various dropshipping scenarios

Dropshipping adds complexity because you usually don’t directly control logistics. Here are common scenarios and what they mean for ISF compliance.

Scenario A: Supplier files ISF and is IOR

This is the cleanest setup for many dropshippers. Your supplier acts as IOR and works with their broker to file ISF on time. You should obtain proof of filing and confirm all data elements match what you list on Amazon.

• What you should do: Ask for ISF confirmation numbers and copies of filing records. Ensure seller and ship-to names are consistent with your Amazon listings.

Scenario B: You are the IOR and supplier ships for you

If you hold the IOR role, you must ensure ISF is filed. If you use a customs broker, provide them with accurate data and sufficient lead time. You maintain legal responsibility if something goes wrong.

• What you should do: Hire a licensed customs broker, supply them with shipment details, and confirm filing 24+ hours before loading.

Scenario C: Multi-supplier consolidation

If multiple suppliers send products that are consolidated into one container, ensure the consolidator or broker handles the consolidated ISF correctly. Failing to provide accurate manufacturer and country-of-origin details for each SKU can result in misdeclaration penalties.

• What you should do: Maintain detailed manufacturer and country-of-origin records for every SKU. Communicate these to the consolidator and your broker.

Scenario D: Direct-to-consumer shipments vs. Amazon fulfillment centers

If your supplier ships directly to customers inside the U.S. (direct-to-consumer dropshipping), the responsibilities may differ. If shipments go to Amazon fulfillment centers, you must ensure the correct bill-to and ship-to addresses align with Amazon’s requirements and with ISF data.

• What you should do: Confirm whether shipments are being routed via Amazon’s freight programs (like Amazon Global Logistics) and who is managing ISF for those shipments.

Step-by-step ISF filing process for dropshippers

Follow these steps to manage ISF obligations reliably.

Step 1: Identify the importer of record

Confirm who is legally responsible for the import. If it’s you, prepare to file or contract a broker.

Step 2: Gather all required data early

Collect seller, buyer, consignee, manufacturer, container stuffing location, and HS codes early in the process. Delays in data collection compound downstream problems.

Step 3: Hire a licensed customs broker if needed

If you’re not familiar with filing electronically, use a licensed customs broker. Brokers communicate with CBP systems and can file ISF efficiently. They also handle duties, bonds, and entry processing.

• Consider partners that offer integrated services like filing, bonds, and inland trucking support, so multiple tasks are centralized.

Step 4: Submit ISF 24+ hours before loading

Make sure the ISF is submitted at least 24 hours before the ocean vessel departs the foreign port. Confirm the filing reference and verify the data matches the bill of lading.

Step 5: Monitor and respond to CBP notifications

After filing, monitor the entry for any CBP queries, holds, or requests for additional documentation. Respond promptly to avoid detention.

Step 6: Keep records for CBP audits

Maintain records of ISF filings, invoices, bills of lading, and communications for at least five years, as CBP may audit past entries.

Compliance tips tailored for Amazon dropshippers

Compliance is about process and documentation. Use these practical tips to reduce risk.

• Always verify manufacturer and country-of-origin statements in writing from your supplier.
• Match descriptions and HS codes on Amazon listings with customs classifications to prevent mismatches.
• Maintain a single source of truth (spreadsheet or system) for all ISF-related data elements per shipment.
• Use an experienced customs broker for complex consolidations or when you are the IOR.
• Ensure the seller name and address you provide to your broker match the entity associated with customs duties and taxes.
• Obtain ISF confirmation numbers for each shipment, store them with the purchase order and invoice.

Common ISF mistakes and how to avoid them

These are recurring errors that cause delays or fines — and how you can prevent them.

• Mistake: Missing or incorrect shipper/manufacturer details. Prevention: Require written confirmation of manufacturer details with each purchase order.
• Mistake: Late ISF filing because supplier delayed loading details. Prevention: Build lead time into your procurement schedule and require supplier timelines.
• Mistake: Using a wrong HS code. Prevention: Work with a broker or customs specialist when uncertain and keep consistent classifications for repeat SKUs.
• Mistake: Not recording the Importer of Record correctly on Amazon seller records. Prevention: Align all internal records with customs documentation and legal entity structures.

Edge cases and how to handle them

Dropshipping can create unusual scenarios. Below are edge cases and recommended actions.

Edge case: Shipment route changes after filing

If the routing or consolidation changes after ISF is submitted, an ISF amendment may be required. Communicate immediately with your broker or the party that filed ISF.

• Your action: Request an amendment and retain records of the change request.

Edge case: Multiple manufacturers for a single SKU

Some products contain components from several countries. You must determine the country of origin for customs purposes (the country where the product last underwent substantial transformation).

• Your action: Request a written country-of-origin determination from the supplier or manufacturer and keep it on file.

Edge case: Goods transshipped through a third country

If goods are transshipped, you must still declare accurate stuffing location and manufacturer details. Transshipment can complicate filing timelines.

• Your action: Track the actual stuffing location and coordinate with your broker to ensure correct ISF submission.

Edge case: Amazon’s inventory distribution changes the consignee

Amazon may direct shipments to different fulfillment centers. For ISF, the ship-to and consignee fields must reflect accurate routing. If Amazon changes destinations post-filing, consult your broker about whether a revision is needed.

How CBP enforces ISF compliance

Understanding enforcement helps you prioritize compliance.

Penalties and exam triggers

CBP enforces ISF through fines for failure to file or inaccurate filings, and by selecting entries for physical or documentary exams. Repeated violations increase scrutiny and can Subject your shipments to priority inspections.

Random and targeted examinations

Some shipments are selected at random, while others are targeted due to risk indicators or irregularities. Accurate ISF reduces the chance of being flagged.

ISF and duties, taxes, and entry processing

ISF is separate from the customs entry that triggers duty collection, but the two processes interact.

Relationship between ISF and CBP entry

ISF provides port-entry security data, while the formal entry and duty payment occur after arrival. ISF must be accurate to avoid holds during entry processing.

Who pays duties and taxes

The importer of record is typically responsible for duties and taxes. Make sure your commercial terms (e.g., DDP, DDU, FOB) clearly define who assumes these costs.

Working with customs brokers and freight forwarders

Choosing experienced partners greatly reduces your compliance burden.

What to ask a customs broker

When you select a broker, ask about: broker’s license, ISF filing process, turnaround times, fees, additional services (bonds, trucker arrangements, entry filing), and how they handle amendments and audits.

Why a single-provider solution helps

Using a provider that offers ISF filing, entry processing, bonds, and trucking coordination can streamline imports and reduce communication errors. A provider that handles multiple services gives you a single point of contact for issue resolution.

• Example partner mention: If you want an integrated partner to handle ISF filing along with entry filing, bonds, and trucking, consider services such as e Customs Clearing – Your Partner for Entry Filing, Bonds & Trucking (this name is provided as an example of the type of full-service solution that aligns with the needs discussed).

Recordkeeping and audits

CBP audits can happen even after shipments are released. Keep thorough records.

What to retain

Keep ISF submissions, invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, purchase orders, and correspondence with suppliers and brokers for five years. If CBP requests documents, respond promptly.

How to prepare for an audit

Perform an internal audit: verify a sample of filings, check that all data elements match supporting documents, and correct any discrepancies proactively.

FAQs tailored for Amazon dropshipping sellers

Short, direct answers to the questions you’re most likely to ask.

Q: If my supplier files ISF, do I need to do anything?

A: Yes. Even if your supplier files ISF, you should verify the ISF confirmation, confirm that the data elements match your sales and Amazon shipping addresses, and keep records. If errors appear, request immediate corrections.

Q: Can you be penalized for ISF errors if someone else files for you?

A: Penalties typically fall on the filing party and the importer of record. If you are the importer of record, you are ultimately responsible, even if a third party submitted the filing.

Q: Are air shipments subject to ISF?

A: ISF (10+2) applies primarily to ocean shipments. Air shipments have different security and manifest requirements. Confirm your obligations with a broker for air imports.

Q: How do ASINs and SKUs affect ISF?

A: ASINs and SKUs are internal identifiers and not part of ISF. However, ensure your product descriptions and HS classifications align with customs descriptions to reduce mismatches.

Q: What happens if Amazon rejects a shipment because of customs delays?

A: Delays can affect your seller metrics and inventory levels. Communicate with Amazon Seller Support and the buyer if necessary, and work with your broker to resolve customs holds.

Practical checklist you can use immediately

Use this checklist every time you receive a new shipment from a supplier.

• Confirm who is Importer of Record.
• Collect seller, buyer, consignee, manufacturer, country of origin, and HS code details.
• Ask supplier for container stuffing location and estimated loading date.
• Engage a licensed customs broker if you’re unsure.
• Ensure ISF is filed at least 24 hours before loading.
• Obtain ISF confirmation/reference number and store it with purchase records.
• Monitor shipment status and be ready to respond to CBP queries.
• Preserve all documents for five years.

Final compliance reminders and seller best practices

Staying proactive keeps your business moving smoothly.

• Build buffer time into your supply chain so you’re not filing under pressure.
• Standardize how you collect manufacturer and HS code details across suppliers.
• Use contract clauses to specify who is responsible for ISF and customs compliance.
• Treat ISF as part of your overall risk management for cross-border sales.

Closing thoughts

ISF can feel technical, but it becomes manageable when you establish clean processes, work with reliable suppliers and brokers, and maintain thorough records. Protect your Amazon seller performance by confirming responsibilities, collecting accurate data, and filing ISF on time. With the right partners and procedures, you’ll be positioned to handle ISF without unnecessary delay or penalty.

If you’d like, you can ask for a checklist formatted for printing, a sample supplier clause to include in your terms, or a template message to request ISF confirmation from suppliers.