#isffiling

Mexico has cemented its position as the United States' largest single trading partner. With deeply integrated supply chains across automotive, electronics, and agriculture, Mexico's trade flows are a critical driver of North American commerce.

Top Mexican Exports:

🔹 Vehicles and automotive parts, nearly 25% of total exports 🔹 Electrical machinery and electronics 🔹 Industrial and mechanical equipment 🔹 Mineral fuels and petroleum products 🔹 Medical instruments and devices 🔹 Agricultural products including fresh vegetables, beer, and tequila 🔹 Iron and steel articles

Top Mexican Imports:

🔹 Electrical machinery and electronics from the US 🔹 Industrial machinery and construction equipment 🔹 Refined petroleum products 🔹 Vehicles and automotive components 🔹 Plastics and chemical inputs 🔹 Agricultural goods including corn and soybeans 🔹 Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies

Key Trade Facts for 2026: ✔ Mexico's total exports to the US reached a record $503.26 billion in 2024, a 6% increase year over year ✔ Mexico is the top source of US goods imports, surpassing China and Canada ✔ The USMCA governs most cross-border trade, offering significant tariff advantages for compliant businesses ✔ Over 80% of Mexico's total goods exports are destined for the United States

Every shipment moving between Mexico and the US requires precise ISF, AMS, and AES filings to comply with CBP regulations and avoid costly border delays.

Artemus provides automated compliance solutions for ISF, AMS, and AES filings trusted by importers, NVOCCs, freight forwarders, and customs brokers managing US-Mexico trade.

👉 Simplify your cross-border compliance at artemusgroupusa.com

The United Kingdom remains one of the world's most significant trading nations despite ongoing post-Brexit adjustments and evolving tariff relationships with key partners including the United States.

Top UK Exports:

🔹 Chemicals and pharmaceuticals, the largest goods export category 🔹 Machinery and mechanical equipment 🔹 Vehicles and automotive parts 🔹 Scientific and medical instruments 🔹 Aircraft and aerospace components 🔹 Beverages including Scotch whisky and gin 🔹 Precious metals and financial commodities

Top UK Imports:

🔹 Machinery and industrial equipment 🔹 Electrical and electronic goods 🔹 Vehicles and automotive parts 🔹 Mineral fuels and petroleum products 🔹 Pharmaceuticals and medical products 🔹 Food and agricultural products 🔹 Plastics and chemical inputs

Key Trade Facts for 2026: ✔ The US remained the UK's single largest goods export destination in 2024, receiving £59.3 billion in UK exports ✔ The EU accounts for approximately 46% of total UK goods exports ✔ A 10% US reciprocal tariff on most UK goods has been in effect since April 2025 ✔ A 25% US tariff on UK steel and aluminium was introduced in March 2025 under Section 232 ✔ UK goods exports to the US rose 11.3% in February 2026 driven by motor vehicles and machinery

All ocean shipments from the UK entering the United States require accurate ISF 10+2 and AMS filings in compliance with US Customs and Border Protection.

Artemus provides trusted ISF, AMS, and AES compliance solutions for importers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers managing UK-US trade lanes.

👉 Stay compliant at artemusgroupusa.com

Colombia is one of South America's most dynamic trading nations. Its strong ties with the United States, backed by the US-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, make it a key partner in transatlantic commerce.

Top Colombian Exports to the US:

🔹 Refined petroleum and crude oil, the largest export category 🔹 Colombian coffee, valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2023 🔹 Cut flowers and floral products, Colombia is the second largest flower exporter globally 🔹 Gold and precious metals 🔹 Textiles and apparel 🔹 Tropical fruits and agricultural products 🔹 Emeralds and gemstones

Top Colombian Imports from the US:

🔹 Machinery and mechanical equipment 🔹 Electronics and telecommunications equipment 🔹 Refined petroleum products 🔹 Vehicles and automotive parts 🔹 Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies 🔹 Agricultural inputs and chemicals

Key Trade Facts: ✔ The US-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) eliminated tariffs on over 80% of US consumer and industrial goods upon implementation ✔ Technology and IT services are rapidly emerging as a new growth sector in Colombian exports ✔ Colombia benefits from strategic port access on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts

All ocean shipments between the US and Colombia require accurate ISF and AMS filings to comply with US Customs and Border Protection regulations.

Artemus provides automated ISF, AMS, and AES filing solutions to help businesses trading with Colombia stay fully compliant and penalty-free.

👉 Explore trade compliance solutions at artemusgroupusa.com

One of the most common questions in international shipping is also one of the hardest to answer with a single number. Customs clearance timelines vary widely depending on several factors.

General Timeframes:

🔹 Standard ocean freight clearance: 1 to 3 business days if documentation is complete and accurate 🔹 Air freight clearance: Often same day to 24 hours 🔹 Shipments selected for physical inspection: 3 to 5 days or longer 🔹 Shipments with documentation issues: Indefinite holds until resolved

Factors That Affect Clearance Time: ✔ Accuracy and completeness of submitted documentation ✔ Whether ISF was filed on time before vessel departure ✔ Shipment complexity including number of HTS classifications ✔ Port congestion and CBP workload at the port of entry ✔ Whether the shipment is flagged for inspection or examination ✔ Restricted or regulated goods requiring additional agency approvals ✔ Outstanding duties, taxes, or bonding issues

Pro Tips to Speed Up Clearance: 🔹 File ISF at least 24 hours before loading 🔹 Submit AMS data accurately and on time 🔹 Work with a licensed customs broker who can pre-clear documentation 🔹 Ensure all commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin are accurate and complete

Artemus automates ISF and AMS filings with real-time status updates and deadline alerts, helping importers clear customs faster and with fewer surprises.

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The Importer Security Filing (ISF), also known as “10+2,” is a mandatory U.S. Customs requirement for ocean imports. Filing it correctly, and on time, is crucial for smooth cargo clearance and avoiding penalties. Here’s a quick guide and software solution overview.

What Is ISF?

ISF requires importers to submit 10 data elements about the cargo (and 2 from the carrier) to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at least 24 hours before vessel loading at the foreign port.

Key Compliance Requirements

Filed by the Importer of Record or their U.S.-based agent

Requires details like shipper, consignee, container stuffing location, HTS codes, etc.

Inaccurate or late filings may result in $5,000 fines per violation

Must match the Bill of Lading and manifest data

ISF Software Solutions

Using a dedicated ISF software or partnering with a Customs Broker simplifies the process:

Real-time CBP connectivity

Data validation & error checks

Audit logs for recordkeeping

Integration with AMS & ACE systems

Popular tools include:

Customs broker platforms

Freight forwarding TMS

Standalone ISF e-filing tools

Best Practices

File early, even before final cargo confirmation

Automate data entry to reduce manual errors

Keep all documents aligned (ISF, B/L, Commercial Invoice)

Using the right software ensures your Importer Security Filing is timely, accurate, and fully compliant, keeping your supply chain on track.

Importing to the U.S. and wondering who is responsible for filing the ISF? The Importer Security Filing (ISF), also known as “10+2,” is a U.S. Customs requirement for ocean shipments, and timely filing is crucial. Here's who handles what:

1. The Importer of Record The primary responsibility lies with the importer of record. This can be the buyer, consignee, or owner of the goods. They’re accountable for ensuring ISF is filed accurately and on time.

2. U.S.-Based Agent If the importer is not U.S.-based, they must appoint a U.S. agent (often a customs broker or freight forwarder) to file the ISF on their behalf.

3. Customs Broker Many importers authorize a licensed customs broker to file the ISF. Brokers handle the paperwork, transmit data through CBP’s ACE system, and ensure compliance.

4. Freight Forwarder or NVOCC Forwarders may assist with providing shipment details (like container stuffing location and consolidator info), but they don’t usually file unless explicitly authorized.

5. Carrier (Limited Role) Ocean carriers are responsible for filing the vessel manifest (not the ISF). However, they do provide the “2” data elements like vessel stow plan and container status messages.

Deadline Reminder: ISF must be filed at least 24 hours before cargo is loaded onto the vessel bound for the U.S. Late or inaccurate filings can lead to penalties up to $5,000.

In short, the importer is responsible, but filing is often delegated to a trusted U.S. agent or broker.