GT Nexus offers low-cost ISF option

GT Nexus offers low-cost ISF option    Global trade software firm GT Nexus on Monday launched a new service designed to help small importers comply with the U.S. government's '10+2' information requirements for cargo security.
   The Oakland-based company, which provides a range of on-demand supply chain automation services, said importers can make unlimited transmissions of their electronic security filing to U.S. Customs and Border Protection through its portal and then manage the responses online for a flat monthly fee of $295.
   GT Nexus has touted its trade and logistics portal as a way for suppliers and customers to share shipment information on a common platform that is available in real time. The '10+2' rule, officially known as the Importer Security Filing, has created a huge challenge for industry because some of the 10 required data sets are difficult to obtain from third parties at origin in time to meet the filing deadline 24 hours prior to vessel lading.
   The new offering, Easy ISF, for smaller importers is a change in direction for GT Nexus, which has tended to help large customers such as Sears, Nestle and the Home Depot manage their ocean shipment information.
   Several other companies that are providing simplified online tools for small importers charge a low fee per transaction.
   Easy ISF provides a standard online application that is directly transmitted to CBP, collects the agency's ISF response and status advisories and presents them in a format where all filings can be viewed on a single dashboard, according to GT Nexus.
   Up to five users per company are eligible to file through the GT Nexus portal under the flat-fee arrangement. As an inducement to try the product, GT Nexus is offering the first month for free.
   CBP will begin enforcing the ISF requirements next January after industry after industry has completed a one-year practice period. Penalties for mistakes or late filings are subject to a $5,000 fine per shipment and importers could face delays trying to get complete information or if Customs puts a hold on their container.
   GT Nexus also has advanced ISF products for importers with bigger, more complex filing needs. Premium capabilities include the addition of origin partner collaboration and creating more automated ISF entries. ' Eric Kulisch