Only for ocean freight (ship/vessel). For parcel/express air courier shipments, ISF usually doesn’t apply. If you’re shipping by sea, CBP requires the ISF to be filed no later than 24 hours before the cargo is loaded on the vessel (many shippers file earlier to be safe).

Commonly requested documents include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and the carrier document (Air Waybill or Bill of Lading). Depending on the goods, you may also need a Certificate of Origin and other government certificates for regulated products.

For most standard courier parcels, the carrier often handles the clearance flow and will contact the recipient if anything is missing. For commercial imports, especially shipments valued over $2,500 or goods regulated by other U.S. agencies, a customs bond is commonly required and a customs broker can be very helpful to avoid delays.

The biggest causes are incomplete or inconsistent paperwork. Use clear English descriptions (not “stuff”), include accurate values (often in USD), and make sure the invoice and packing list match. For business shipments, using the correct HS/HTS classification and providing complete importer/recipient details helps clearance go faster.