What Are the Differences Between AMS and ISF Declarations?

With the acceleration of the globalization of cross-border e-commerce and B2B enterprises, it is crucial to understand and accurately complete the declaration of Automated Manifest System (AMS) and Importer Security Filing (ISF). However, many companies confuse the declaration rules of the two, resulting in customs clearance delays, additional costs and even legal risks.

These two systems are not only related to the smooth customs clearance of goods, but also directly affect the supply chain efficiency and cost control of enterprises. What is the difference between them? What are their respective advantages? Who submits? When to submit? These questions not only increase the difficulty of operation, but also may lead to risks such as cargo delays and fines due to improper declaration. Chinadivision will use this article to deeply explore the differences between AMS and ISF declarations, as well as their respective advantages, submission entities and time requirements, aiming to provide B2B companies and e-commerce sellers with clear operation guidelines and solutions.

Definition and core purpose of AMS and ISF

What is AMS (Automated Manifest System)?

AMS, or Automated Manifest System, is an automatic manifest reporting requirement implemented by the U.S. Customs. The cargo transportation data submitted by the carrier (shipping company/airline) to the U.S. Customs includes bill of lading number, container number, cargo description, etc., aiming to achieve transportation transparency and anti-terrorism security monitoring. It requires that all goods shipped to the United States or transited through the United States must be reported to the U.S. Customs 24 hours before loading. The purpose of AMS is to let the U.S. Customs know the situation of the goods in advance and strengthen anti-terrorism and security measures.

What is ISF (Importer Security Filing)?

ISF, or Importer Security Filing, is a security declaration that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires importers to submit before the goods arrive at the U.S. port. It is also called 10+2 declaration, of which 10 items are filled in by the importer, including company name and address, importer customs registration number, etc.; 2 items are filled in by the shipowner, involving ship information. 10 key supply chain data (such as buyer/seller information, HTS code, etc.) submitted by importers or their agents are used to identify high-risk goods in advance and implement the "24-hour advance declaration rule". ISF declaration aims to improve the security and traceability of imported goods by customs and ensure that the goods do not pose a security threat.

What are the differences between AMS and ISF declarations?

Declaration content: AMS mainly declares the cargo information on the bill of lading, including the basic description of the goods, transportation details, etc. On the basis of AMS, ISF adds information on the entity units and buyers and sellers in the supply chain, such as the manufacturer and importer customs registration number.

Declaration purpose: AMS focuses on letting customs know the situation of goods in advance and strengthen anti-terrorism measures; ISF focuses more on improving the security and traceability of goods.

Submission subject: AMS is usually sent to the US Customs by the freight forwarder or shipping company closest to the direct exporter through a designated system; ISF is declared by the importer or its entrusted overseas agent.

Submission time: Both AMS and ISF need to be submitted 24 hours before the goods are shipped. However, in actual operation, shipping companies or agents usually complete ISF declaration 3-4 days in advance.

Declaration fee: AMS is usually $30 per ticket, and a higher fee will be charged for modifying data after the order is closed. ISF is $25-30 per ticket, and if there are errors or violations, you may face a fine of up to $5,000.

What are the advantages of AMS and ISF?

Advantages of AMS: Ensure that the goods meet the import requirements of the US Customs, avoid delays and fines caused by incomplete or incorrect information; improve supply chain transparency, and help companies better manage inventory and logistics.

Advantages of ISF: Enhance the security and traceability of goods, reduce the risk of customs inspection; enhance the corporate image and meet the security requirements of the US Customs for importers.

Who submits AMS and ISF respectively? When to submit?

Submit AMS: Submit to the US Customs 24 hours before the goods are shipped by the freight forwarder or shipping company closest to the direct exporter.

ISF submission: submitted by the importer or its authorized overseas agent within 24 hours before the goods are loaded (in actual operation, the shipping company or agent usually completes the ISF declaration 3-4 days in advance and matches it with the AMS manifest data).

More hot topics about AMS and ISF

How to ensure the accuracy of AMS and ISF declarations?

It is recommended that enterprises use professional fulfillment agent service providers, such as Chinadivision International Fulfillment Service Provider, who have rich declaration experience and professional operation teams to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of declaration information.

If there is an error in the declaration, how to modify it?

If you need to modify the AMS or ISF declaration information, you should contact the fulfillment agent service provider or the US Customs in time and modify it according to the relevant procedures. However, please note that modifying the information may incur additional costs.

How to reduce the risks caused by improper declaration?

Enterprises should strengthen internal training to ensure that relevant personnel understand the declaration requirements and procedures of AMS and ISF; at the same time, cooperate with professional fulfillment agent service providers to reduce declaration risks with their rich experience and resources.

Can AMS and ISF be declared together?

The data of the two overlap partially (such as container number), but regulations require independent submission. "One-time entry, dual-system synchronization" can be achieved through the API interface.

Do e-commerce parcels need ISF?

ISF must be submitted for sea container cargo (including LCL); air freight/express (such as DDP terms) is usually handled by logistics companies.

How to modify data after declaration?

AMS allows multiple modifications before arrival; ISF can be modified within 24 hours after sailing, and a written application must be submitted to the customs after the time limit.

How to deal with the customs' Do Not Load' instruction?

Usually triggered by AMS/ISF data conflicts. Immediately check the container number and consignee information, and contact the customs data correction window (DTN) through the service provider.

Work hand in hand with Chinadivision International Fulfillment Service Provider

As a professional international fulfillment agent service provider, Chinadivision can provide enterprises with one-stop, comprehensive fulfillment services. We can not only ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the declared information, but also provide personalized solutions and high-quality customer service according to the actual needs of the enterprise.

Cooperating with Chinadivision, you will enjoy the following advantages:

Professional team: We have a professional operation team and rich declaration experience to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

One-stop service: We provide one-stop services from booking, customs declaration, transportation to customs clearance at the destination port, saving you time and effort.

Cost control: We have established long-term cooperative relationships with many shipping companies and airlines, and can provide you with more competitive freight rates and better services.

Risk prevention and control: We have a complete risk prevention and control mechanism to reduce the risks caused by improper declaration.

In international trade, understanding and accurately completing AMS and ISF declarations is the key for companies to ensure a smooth supply chain and reduce operating costs. Working hand in hand with Chinadivision international fulfillment service providers, we will provide you with professional, efficient and high-quality services to help your business flourish! For more information or consultation on cooperation, please feel free to contact us.