EU introduces new Import control system for modes of transport

The European Union’s new customs pre-arrival safety and security system – Import Control System 2 (ICS2) will introduce a new process for entry of goods by maritime and inland waterways, road and rail in the EU as from June 3, 2024.

This is the third phase or release of the implementation of the new system that will extend safety and security data reporting requirements to all modes of transport. Similar requirements already went into force for air transportation of goods.

With this third release, maritime and inland waterways, road and rail carriers will also need to provide data on goods sent to or through the EU prior to their arrival, through a complete Entry Summary Declaration (ENS).

This obligation also concerns postal and express carriers who transport goods using these modes of transport as well as other parties, such as logistics providers. In certain circumstances, final consignees established in the EU will also have to submit ENS data to ICS2.

Under the EU new policies, traders are strongly advised to henceforth prepare in advance for Release 3 to avoid the risk of delays and non-compliance. Affected businesses will be required to make sure they collect accurate and complete data from their clients, update their IT systems and operational processes, and provide adequate training to their staff.

Traders had, from December 11, 2023 been directed to successfully complete a self-conformance test before connecting to ICS2, to verify their ability to access and exchange messages with customs authorities.

EU member states is expected to grant authorisation, upon request, to the affected traders to gradually connect to ICS2 within a time-limited deployment window.

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