EU announces new import control system

Import Control System 2 (ICS2) – the European Union’s new pre-arrival customs safety and security system – will introduce new procedures for importing goods by sea and inland waterways, road and rail in the EU from 3 June.

This is the third phase or rollout of the new system to extend safety and security data reporting requirements to all modes of transport. Similar requirements are already in effect for air cargo operations.

With this third release, sea and inland waterway, road and rail carriers will also need to provide data on goods sent to or through the EU prior to their arrival, via an Import Declaration (ENS).

This obligation also applies to postal and courier carriers using these modes of transport to transport goods, as well as other parties involved, such as logistics service providers. In certain cases, the final consignee established in the EU must also submit ENS data to ICS2.

Traders need to prepare in advance for Release 3 to avoid delays and non-compliance. Affected businesses need to ensure accurate and complete data collection from customers, update IT systems and operational procedures, and provide adequate training for staff. From 11 December 2023, traders will need to complete a self-compliance check before connecting to ICS2, to verify their ability to access and exchange information with customs authorities.

Upon request, EU Member States will grant affected trading parties the right to gradually connect to ICS2 over a limited implementation period. Member States can grant implementation periods at any point within the following timeframes: from 3 June to 4 December (sea and inland waterway carriers); from 4 December to 1 April 2025 (sea and inland waterway secondary applicants); and from 1 April 2025 to 1 September 2025 (road and rail carriers). If trading parties are not prepared and do not provide the data required by ICS2, their goods will be stopped at the EU border and not cleared by customs.

Businesses need to pay attention to new ICS2 regulations when exporting goods to the EU from 2024. (Photo: Reuters)

The EU is a major player in international trade – accounting for around 14% of world trade in goods. By collecting safety and security data, EU customs authorities can detect risks earlier and intervene at the most appropriate point in the supply chain to ensure safe trade for the EU and its citizens.

ICS2 will simplify the process of moving goods between customs authorities at the first point of entry and the final destination in the EU. At the same time, instead of 27 access points in countries, ICS2 will provide a single access point to communicate with all customs authorities of EU member states for all EU operations.

For trading parties, ICS2 will also streamline customs requirements for additional information and risk screening prior to cargo departure, thereby reducing the administrative burden on businesses.

ICS2 Details

The European Commission has been working closely with customs authorities and businesses in Member States to prepare ICS2. The system is being rolled out in three versions and will gradually replace the existing import control system.

With the first Release, effective from 15 March 2021, postal and express shipments to or through the EU by air are subject to the Import Declaration sub-regulation (also known as Pre-loading Cargo Information – PLACI) before loading onto an aircraft bound for the EU.

With ICS2 Release 2, from 1 March 2023, regular air shipments will also be subject to PLACI documentation and the full Import Declaration (ENS) data set prior to arrival.

Release 3 is the third phase and will cover sea and inland waterway, rail and road transport modes, effective from 3 June 2024. Affected transacting parties will need to prepare for ICS2 within a limited implementation period.

Similar to the Second Release, trading parties need to submit the complete ENS data in a single application, if the party submitting and responsible for bringing the goods into the EU customs territory has all the required data available. In addition, trading parties can create multiple dossiers, with more than one part of the ENS dossier being submitted by different parties in the supply chain.

In case of submitting multiple applications, each applicant is responsible for ensuring timely, accurate and complete submission of documents.

Further information on ICS2 and Release 3 is available on the European Commission website. The fact sheet provides steps for ocean and inland waterway carriers looking to prepare for ICS2.

Vi Minh

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