On October 3, 2013, The Los Angeles Customs Broker & Freight Forwarder Associations distributed a letter announcing Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) increased enforcement on Importer Security Filings (ISF), which will require all shipments entering into the port of Los Angeles to have an ISF on file 48 hours prior to arrival. The enforcement will become effective on October 7,2013 and all non-compliant shipments will be put on hold.

The letter explains that "CBP in Los Angeles will also start placing holds on shipments for house bills of lading in consolidated containers. The containers will not be held at the terminals. They will allow a Permit to Transfer to move the container(s) to the consolidator’s Container Freight Station (CFS). The remaining house bills that did have the ISF on file timely will be released as under current practice."

The notice also advises that not all consolidated containers are subject to a Non-Intrusive Exam (NII) and that CBP will determine if an exam is needed once the freight has arrived at the Container Freight Station.

Expeditors will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they occur. Please contact your local branch for any further assistance.