Final stage of EU’s Import Control System 2

On the 1st March 2024, the European Union is launching the 3rd and final part of its pre-loading and pre-arrival safety and security programme, which requires pre-advice of mandatory information and failure by shippers to comply may lead to goods being rejected by the airline, shipping line, rail operator or haulier.

The European Union (EU) implemented the European Import Control System (ICS) in the safety and security measures framework in 2011, to perform risk analysis on air, sea, rail and road freight before it enters or transits the customs territory of the EU.

In 2021, the EU began the rollout of ICS2 in 3 phases:  
15th March 2021: Mail/express shipments (pre-loading)
1st March 2023: Air cargo and Mail/express shipments (full)
1st March 2024: Maritime, Road, and Rail

Carriers submit details on cargo before it is carried into the EU, risk analysis on the data decides if shipments can proceed, or need to be presented for inspection.  

The ICS2 process:

1. Lodge the ENS declaration to customs by the economic operators 
2. Safety and security risk analysis performed by customs 
3. Arrival notification of the means of transport by the carrier or its representative 
4. Presentation to customs and examination in case of a potential risk

We have been adapting our processes and systems to meet the new EU requirements, but compliance with ICS2 changes will depend on the active participation of shippers.

Carriers will require relevant data to fulfil their responsibility for the pre-loading and pre-arrival information data set, including the journey details, which is sent to ICS2, where it is automatically reviewed for possible security threats. 

The pre-loading and pre-arrival messages are collectively referred to as the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS).

We will require the following information, so that we can ensure the pre-loading data is made available to the carrier in good time:

Shipper Name
Shipper Address
Consignee Name (including EORI number for cargo staying in Europe)
Consignee Address
Cargo Description (including 6-digit HS codes)
Total Quantity
Total Weight

When the ENS information is not provided to EU customs, shipments will be stopped and will not be processed for customs clearance, which will lead to delays and potential fines.

We are working closely with our sea, road and rail partners, test-submitting these new data sets, to ensure the smooth implementation of this new EU customs process. 

If you have any concerns or questions, regarding the ICS2 roll-out please EMAIL Andy Fitchett, Brokerage Manager.