File 10+2 ISF online via GT Nexus Portal
GT Nexus launches fast, simple solution to make unlimited filings through the ocean industry portal to meet Importer Security Filing rules.
-- Manufacturing Business Technology, 7/21/2009 10:36:24 AM
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Easy ISF is available now for importers, brokers, 3PLs and freight forwarders. To get started, visit www.gtnexus.com/isf and register, GT Nexus says.
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GT Nexus Easy ISF launched July 20 aims to help U.S. importers comply with the so-called "10+2" requirements introduced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) earlier this year, also known as the Importer Security Filing, or ISF rule. For a flat monthly fee of $295, users can make unlimited 10+2 filings directly to CBP using the GT Nexus industry trade and logistics portal, and then manage responses online, the company says.
Commonly referred to as 10+2, the new rule requires U.S. importers to file 10 pieces of information related to their inbound container shipments 24 hours before the ocean vessel is loaded at the port of origin. Full enforcement of the rule begins January 26, 2010, and includes the threat of fines of up to $5,000 per container, plus shipment delays, in cases of non-compliance. CBP says it will use the data to identify potential high-risk shipments for further inspection. However, the rule has stirred controversy in the U.S. importer community over the anticipated costs and difficulties associated with gathering the data, GT Nexus says.
"The 10+2 rule has the importer community scrambling," said Greg Johnsen, EVP and founder at GT Nexus. "Importers and their partners are having a hard time assembling the required information 24 hours before vessels are loaded at origin. Since the GT Nexus Portal is already the ocean industry utility for managing end-to-end ocean shipment information, this service is a natural extension for us." The company suggests that a trade document control system can lighten the load on goods-shipment processes.
Easy ISF gives importers access to a standard online application to enter and validate the ten data elements required by CBP. At the click of a button, the information is transmitted directly to CBP. The system will also collect the ISF response and status advisories from CBP, and present them to the importer in a format where all filing activities can be viewed on a single online dashboard. Exception management tools and reporting capabilities allow importers to maintain control of all filings.
The service has a flat fee of $295 per month, allowing up to 5 users at a company to make unlimited filings on the GT Nexus Portal. New customers can test-drive the service because the first month is free.
The GT Nexus Trade and Logistics Portal is the industry-standard technology for ocean transportation management. Thousands of companies use the portal to track and manage global inventory flows, GT Nexus says, including many of the world's biggest importers. Customers include Xerox, Nestle, The Home Depot, DHL, Liz Claiborne, Sears, Schenker, Caterpillar and American Eagle Outfitters.
"Shippers and 3PLs are taking a hard look at their import management technology because of ISF," added Johnsen. "As the technology leader for ocean shipping, we wanted to give our market a simple solution with low cost, transparent pricing. For less than the cost of a single ISF fine, importers can use GT Nexus Easy ISF for an entire year."
GT Nexus also has advanced ISF solutions for importers with bigger, more complex filing needs. Optional premium capabilities include the addition of origin partner collaboration and more automated ISF creation. Several of GT Nexus' large importer customers have rolled out ISF management as part of broader global supply chain visibility projects.
-Edited by Mark T. Hoske, electronic products editor, MBT www.mbtmag.com
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