New Import Control System (ICS2) for air freight flying into or via the EU
The European Union launched their customs pre-arrival cargo information system called Import Control System in 2011 to collect data for goods entering the EU and from the 1st March 2023 pre-loading data reporting will be required for air cargo transported to or via the EU.
With ICS2, EU customs authorities will be able to identify high-risk consignments, intervene at the most appropriate point in the supply chain, and facilitate the cross-border clearance of legitimate trade.
The EU’s Import Control System will impact all goods entering the EU, by all modes of transportation, and is being released in three phases:
Release One – 1st March 2021: Mail/express shipments (pre-loading)
Release Two – 1st March 2023: Air general cargo and Mail/express shipments (full)
Release Three – 1st March 2024: Maritime, Road, and Rail
From the 1st March 2023, before departure, the air carrier 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).
We will require the following data, so that we can ensure the pre-loading ENS is submitted to ICS:
- 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
EU Customs then analyses the data and returns an actionable status:
- Approved to load
- Request for information
- Request for Screening
- Do not load
If the required information is not provided to EU customs, the goods will be stopped at the border and will not be processed for customs clearance, which will lead to delays and potential fines.
We are working closely with our airline partners, to ensure the smooth implementation of this new EU customs process and can answer any concerns or questions you may have, regarding the ICS2 roll-out. EMAIL our managing director, Colin Redman, directly.