Can I File An ISF Myself?
When U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) first implemented the Importer Security Filing (ISF) program through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), they allowed importers to file up to 10 ISFs per year for free via the ISF Portal. However, this capability was officially retired on June 6, 2022, as announced by CBP in Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) #51726538 – ISF Portal Retirement.
Since the retirement of the ISF Portal, importers now have two options:
1. Use a Agent or Customs Broker
This is the most practical and cost-effective option for the vast majority of importers. Customs Brokers like ourselves are connected to CBP through approved software vendors and can file ISFs on your behalf quickly and accurately. We specialize in working with small and mid-sized importers who may not have the volume or infrastructure to file on their own.
2. Establish a Direct Electronic Connection to CBP
If you are a high-volume importer—typically handling hundreds to thousands of shipments per year—you can apply to CBP for a filer code, purchase software from an approved vendor, and file ISFs electronically on your own. CBP has a list of roughly 60 approved ISF software providers, which you can view here:
👉 ABI Software Vendors List (CBP.gov)
However, this path requires:
- Approval from CBP
- Purchasing transmission software (startup costs typically run in the thousands of dollars)
- Paying ongoing monthly maintenance and transmission fees
Unless your company is importing at a large scale, this is generally not a practical solution.
Why Choose a Licensed Customs Broker?
While there are some non-broker service providers offering ISF filing assistance, we highly recommend working with a licensed U.S. Customs Brokerage like us. Licensed brokers are:
- Regulated by federal law
- Legally required to keep your data confidential
- Required to report any data breaches to the U.S. government
Non-licensed providers do not have these same legal obligations. While many may follow privacy policies voluntarily, they are not held to the same federal standards and are not required by law to protect your information.
In Summary
No, you can no longer file your ISF yourself unless you are a high-volume importer with an approved electronic link to CBP and specialized software. For nearly all other importers, the best and most cost-effective solution is to hire a qualified agent—preferably a licensed customs broker—to handle your ISF filings.
If you choose not to work with us, we still strongly recommend that you verify that any provider you use is a licensed U.S. customs brokerage.
Ready to Get Started?
We make the ISF process simple, fast, and affordable.
✅ No software to buy
✅ No complex setup
✅ We handle everything for you
👉 Please complete the form at www.easyisf.com/account, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Let us handle the compliance—so you can focus on your business.