EU Import Control System 2 (ICS2)
ICS2 (Import Control System 2)
The European Union (EU) has introduced a pre-arrival security and safety programme called ICS2 (Import Control System 2), which was launched on 15th March 2021. The ICS2 (Import Control System 2) programme is one of the main elements for establishing an integrated EU approach to reinforce customs risk management under the common risk management framework (CRMF). The goal is for ICS2 (Import Control System 2) to provide greater security and faster customs processes. ICS2 (Import Control System 2) requires the consignment data and other information for export and import to be entered electronically by the Economic Operators (EOs) and sent to the country of destination in advance (Electronic Advance Data – “EAD”). Economic Operators (EOs) will have to declare safety and security data to ICS2 (Import Control System 2), through the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS).
Benefits of ICS2 (Import Control System 2)
ICS2 (Import Control System 2) will enable EU Customs authorities to improve identification of high-risk consignments and enable them to intervene at an appropriate point within the international supply chain. ICS2 (Import Control System 2) will also facilitate cross-border clearance for legitimate trade and simplify the exchange of information between Economic Operators (EOs) and EU Customs Authorities.
Who are Economic Operators (EOs)?
Economic Operators (EOs) are Importers, distributors, person or an organization, who are authoritative to take up the duty of ensuring compliance. Economic Operators (EOs) should not be confused with Authorized Economic Operators. The ICS2 (Import Control System 2) programme will directly affect all Economic Operators involved in handling, shipping and transporting of cargo, express or postal consignments, such as:
- Postal operators within and beyond EU
- Express delivery services
- Air cargo carriers
- Freight Forwarding and Logistics Companies
- Ultimate Consignees, who is established within the EU (for goods received via maritime transport)
- Maritime, railway and road carriers
- Representatives of the services above.
Indirectly Affected by ICS2 (Import Control System 2)
The ICS2 (Import Control System 2) programme will indirectly affect all manufacturers, exporters and individuals from outside the EU, wishing to send goods to or through the EU. They will have to provide the necessary information directly to the Economic Operators (EOs).
It is important that the EU importer of the goods provides the required high quality and precise data to their freight forwarding agents for shipments coming into the European Union. Failure to provide accurate information would mean that the consignment cannot be dispatched from origin. Therefore, it is important to ensure that all correct information is contained on the
shipping documents, such as the export commercial invoice. In addition, the importer will have to provide to the economic operators directly concerned all the necessary information, such as
harmonisation codes, product descriptions, country of origin, etc.
Releases of ICS2 (Import Control System 2)
The ICS2 (Import Control System 2) programme is being released in a phased approach and the three phases will be based on the services provided to move the goods internationally. Therefore, each phase of ICS2 (Import Control System 2) will affect different Economic Operators (EOs) and modes of international transport.
List of Services
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Phase 1 - Express Carriers and Postal OperatorsList Item 1
Express Carriers and designated Postal Operators who are established within the European Union are required by the Union Customs Code (UCC) to provide the minimum set of advance electronic data via an electronic Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) to the ICS2 (Import Control System 2). This phase was introduced on 15 March 2021 and covers all goods in consignments which Express Carriers or designated Postal Operators are bring into the EU Customs territory.
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Phase 2 – Air General Cargo, Air Express (Full) and Postal by Air (Full)List Item 2
In phase 2, all air consignments of goods by postal, express and general cargo will be subject, in addition to pre-loading filing requirements, to complete pre-arrival ENS data requirements. In addition, air carriers and other parties such as freight forwarders and logistics providers, will become liable to submit minimum pre-loading and complete pre-arrival data onto the Import Control System (ICS2). Phase 2 is scheduled for 1 March 2023.
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Phase 3 – Maritime, Road and RailList Item 3
In phase 3, all consignments of goods by maritime, road and rail carriers, including postal and express carriers that transport goods via those modes, and other parties, such as freight forwarders and logistic providers will have to submit data onto the Import Control System (ICS2). In certain circumstances, the final consignee who is established within the EU may have to submit data onto the Import Control System (ICS2). Phase 3 is scheduled for 1 March 2024.
UK Safety and Security Requirements
Following Brexit, Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) is now no longer part of a safety and security zone with the EU. However, all goods imported into Northern Ireland from Great Britain and countries outside the EU will require an entry summary declaration to be submitted into the ICS NI.
ICS NI is gradually being replaced by the Import Control System 2 (ICS2). HM Revenue and Customs state that Safety and Security pre-arrival information must be submitted via an ENS by the 'operator of the active means of transport on or in which the goods are brought into the customs territory of the Community’.
Within Great Britain, new formalities have been introduced to address safety and security of goods entering and leaving the UK.
- From 1 October 2021, Safety and Security declarations are required on goods leaving the UK in RoRo vehicles and for empty containers, pallets, and vehicles moving to the EU under a transport contract.
- From 1 July 2022, declarations are required on goods being imported to the UK from the EU and other territories that are not already subject to Safety and Security declarations.
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