Your EU ICS2 Questions Answered: A Comprehensive FAQ Guide
-
Freya Jane
- Director of Customer's Success
The Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is an important part of the European Union’s import procedure. It aims to increase security by requiring prior notification of cargo before goods enter the EU. This FAQ guide answers common questions about EU ICS2.
What is ICS2?
Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is the European Union’s safety and security system; it supports the following processes:
Submitting advance cargo information, i.e., Entry Summary Declaration (ENS)
Safety and security risk analysis
- The arrival of means of transport
What is the aim of ICS2?
The primary aim of ICS2 is to protect the EU internal market and citizens from safety and security threats. The system requires pre-arrival cargo information to perform risk analysis, enabling early identification of potential threats.
ICS2 aims to protect the EU from various safety & security risks, including:
Narcotics
Explosives in air cargo
Dangerous toys
Harmful electronics
Weapons
Dangerous fake medicines
Contaminated foods
All sorts of organised smuggling
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What are the ICS2 releases?
The Import Control System 2 implements risk management processes, new systems, and new Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) requirements in three releases:
ICS2 R1:
Targets express carriers and EU-based postal operators
Requires Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) using the minimum dataset
ICS2 R2:
Targets freight forwarding and logistics providers and air carriers
Requires complete ENS dataset for all the goods in air transport
ICS2 R3:
Targets maritime, inland waterways, rail, and road carriers
Requires complete ENS for all goods
What is an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS)?
Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) is a mandatory requirement for all goods entering the EU customs territory. This declaration is sent before the arrival of goods and contains all the basic information about the consignment, which is used by customs authorities to carry out risk analysis.
When is ENS EU required?
ENS is required for all goods entering the EU customs territory, regardless of their origin and destination within the EU. All the cargo must be covered by ENS that is being discharged in an EU port, as well as FROB cargo (Freight Cargo Remaining on Board).
Who is responsible for ENS submission?
Generally, the responsibility of lodging ENS lies with the carrier who brings goods into the EU customs territory. In case the carrier doesn’t have all the legally required information about the cargo to fill the ENS, those particulars are filed by the person who holds the information, eventually enabling the carrier to submit the complete ENS.
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When must an ENS be lodged?
The ENS must be lodged 24 hours before the cargo is loaded at the port.
What is multiple filing?
Multiple filing is a process of filing an ENS that is composed of two or more partial ENS filings that are linked together.
Which data is required for ICS2?
Traders must submit thorough and detailed data sets for ICS2 compliance, which include:
In-depth information about the consignor and consignee
Information about goods, such as product quantities, classification codes, and descriptions
Which are the default notifications sent to the filing party?
The following notifications will be sent to the person filing an ENS when applicable:
IE3R01: ENS Registration Response
IE3N01: ENS lifecycle validation error notification
IE3Q01: Do Not Load request
IE3Q02: Additional information request
IE3N10: Amendment Notification
IE3R07: Invalidation Acceptance Response
IE3Q03: High Risk Cargo & Mail screening request
IE3N07: House consignment in incorrect state notification
IE3N99: Error notification
IE3N08: Control notification
IE3N09: Authorized Economic Operator control notification
IE3R08: ENS Consultation results
IE3N04: Additional Information Request Notification
IE3N05: Cargo Screening Request Notification
IE3N03: Risk Assessment Complete
IE3N02: ENS Not Complete Notification
IE3N11: ENS Pending Notification
Which businesses and transport modes are affected by the ICS2?
Import Control System 2 affects all the businesses that import goods into the European Union, including express, postal, and cargo businesses. Plus, goods entering the EU by air, rail, inland waterways, air, and maritime will have to be covered by ENS.
What is Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI)?
Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) means a specific ENS filing type in which a minimum dataset (7+1) is mandatory to be filed before loading cargo on an aircraft in a third country. It can be used only for air cargo.
Are amendments to the ENS allowed after the initial declaration?
Make sure to have an accurate and complete ENS before submission; however, you can make amendments if something changes. You can only make amendments until the point of arrival in the EU.
How should stakeholders prepare for ENS EU?
NVOCCs and freight forwarders should update their IT systems, familiarise themselves with the requirements, and make sure that agents and staff are properly trained. They will also need to make sure that their customers are ready to adhere to this new rule.
What are the consequences of non-compliance with ICS2?
There can be severe repercussions for breaking ICS2 regulations. Businesses may be subject to financial penalties, processing delays for shipments, and, in more extreme situations, seizure of goods.
Wrapping up
You can ensure compliant and smooth EU imports by understanding the complexities of ICS2. If you have more queries or need more guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customs and trade compliance experts.
For more details about ICS2, visit BIFA’s comprehensive guide.
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