The European Union (EU) has implemented a new advance cargo information system called ICS2 (Import Control System 2), as part of a broader regulatory regime aimed at enhancing the customs authorities ability to conduct risk analyses and identify potential threats early in the supply chain customs by collecting data on all goods entering the EU before their arrival.
ICS2 is a centralised system that requires Economic Operators (EOs) to submit safety and security data through an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). Before departure, the carrier or freight forwarder must submit pre-loading advance cargo information data to EU Customs, where it is reviewed for possible security threats. In addition, a pre-arrival information data set, including the journey details, is also sent to ICS2. The pre-loading and pre-arrival messages are collectively referred to as the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS).
Minimum Data requirements as well as shipment details should be reported.
- Shipper name
- Shipper address
- Recipient name, (including EORI number for cargo staying in Europe)
- Recipient address
- Number of packages
- Gross weight
- Acceptable goods description (see the full EU guidelines at https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/system/files/2021-03/guidance_acceptable_goods_description_en.pdf
- Six-digit Harmonized System (HS) codes along with net weight of each where there is more than a single HS code involved.
- For EU-27, the recipient’s EORI number (see the full EU guidelines)
EU Customs then analyses the data and returns a status of one of the following:
- Approved to load;
- Request for information;
- Request for screening;
- Do not load.
Note that the requirement to submit ENS prior to the arrival of goods applies to consignments from all locations destined for EU destinations, Switzerland, and Norway. It will therefore indirectly affect all manufacturers, exporters and individuals from outside the EU who send goods to or through the EU, Switzerland or Norway, as they will have to provide the necessary information to directly affected economic operators.
What will happen if Economic Operators (EOS) are not ready in time or provide inaccurate data?
- Consignments and freight will be stopped at the EU customs borders.
- The goods in question will not be cleared by the customs authorities.
- Inadequate declarations will either be rejected or subject to intervention, with possible penalties imposed for non-compliance.
- Cargo will be delayed.
Implementation
The system has phased implementation dates for different industry sectors depending upon the types of services provided in the international movement of goods.
- ICS2 Release 1 - 15 March 2021: Air express carriers and postal operators.
- ICS2 Release 2 - 1 March 2023: Air cargo general carriers.
- ICS2 Release 3 – 3 June 2024 - Maritime
- 3 June 2024: maritime and inland waterways carriers.
- 4 December 2024: maritime and inland waterways house level filers.
- 1 April 2025: road and rail carriers.
ICS2 Release 3 will introduce a new process that requires those who import into the EU using maritime and inland waterways, road and rail to provide the following data:
- The six-digit Harmonised System (HS) code for each commodity line listed in the commercial invoice and or detailed goods descriptions for the shipments prior to arrival through a complete Entry Summary Declaration (ENS).
- Where more than one HS code is present, the net weight of each is also required.
- The Economic Operators Registration and Identification Number (EORI) for the shipment recipient consignee is also mandatory.