The EU’s Import Control System launches for air freight on 1st March 2023

The European Import Control System (ICS) was implemented to perform risk analyses on goods before they enter or transit the customs territory of the European Union, to better identify high-risk consignments and facilitate the cross-border clearance of legitimate trade. 

The EU’s new advance cargo information system ICS2 will provide pre-arrival security and safety, to support risk-based customs controls, whilst facilitating free flow of legitimate trade across the EU external borders. 

It represents the first line of defence in terms of protection of the EU internal market and will remodel the existing process in terms of IT, legal, customs risk management/controls and trade operational perspectives.

ICS is being released in three stages:

  • Release 1 – March 15, 2021: Mail/express shipments (pre-loading)
  • Release 2 – March 1, 2023: Air general cargo and Mail/express shipments (full)
  • Release 3 – March 1, 2024: Maritime, Road, and Rail

When cargo is transported to the customs territory of the European Union, advance information is submitted via the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) – also known as the safety and security declaration – in the import control system (ICS). The European customs authorities will perform risk analyses on the data provided and decide based on this analysis if shipments need to be presented for inspection.  

In the current situation, the carriers bear full responsibility for the ENS submission, while in ICS2 importers will have to provide related data:  

  • 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

The ICS2 process will fit seamlessly into the current import process, provided the shipper has provided the information required in an accurate and timely manner:

  • Lodge the ENS declaration to customs
  • Safety and security risk analysis performed by customs 
  • Arrival notification by the carrier 
  • Presentation of the goods to customs if required 

Inaccurate or late data may result in financial penalties, cargo being stopped at the border, no customs clearance, rejection of declarations and cargo delays.

We have been submitting these new data elements in our AirWaybill and Consolidation lists to airline partners, since the turn of the year, to ensure the smooth implementation of this new regulation.

If you have concerns or questions regarding the ICS2 roll-out you can contact our air freight team directly.

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