What Freight Forwarders Need to Know About ICS2
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Freya Jane
- Director of Customer's Success
Freight forwarders who import goods to or via the EU have to take note of the additional regulations imposed by the Import Control System (ICS2). These rules are implemented for all freight forwarders, whether they are using railways, roads, or maritime services.
This advanced customs safety and security project is meant to strengthen the protection of the EUās single market while ensuring smoother, more secure trade for businesses and consumers alike.
Freight forwarders must keep up with ICS2’s standards as it continues to roll out in phases to prevent disruptions and maintain compliance.
This blog explains what freight forwarders need to understand to stay compliant with the ICS2.
What is the Import Control System (ICS2)?
The Import Control System (ICS2) is the European Unionās safety and security system designed to ensure the security of goods entering the EU market.
Want to learn more about ICS2? Click here!
Here’s a closer look at its operation and significance:
Early data submission
Carriers and freight forwarders must submit detailed shipment information, including cargo descriptions, HS codes, and EORI numbers, to ICS2 before goods are loaded. Customs officials can evaluate hazards early thanks to this pre-arrival data, guaranteeing safer and more transparent trade processes.
Proactive risk management
By checking the provided data, customs officers can detect potentially high-risk shipments and take preventative action. This saves you from non-compliance and lessens the possibility that illicit or hazardous products will reach the EU.
Centralised and unified system
ICS2 replaces fragmented procedures with a standardised framework, centralising risk management and data exchange among all EU member states. This promotes smooth collaboration between national customs administrations and guarantees uniform enforcement of laws.
Streamlined customs procedures
The system uses advanced IT tools to speed up important processes like information sharing, risk assessments, and customs clearance. For companies, this translates into fewer delays, quicker approvals, and less administrative work.
Enhanced protection of single market
ICS2 enhances transparency in international trade operations by supporting legal trade, thereby strengthening the EU’s single market protection against external risks. Before entering the union, it ensures that goods from third nations adhere to strict safety and compliance rules.
The rollout of ICS2
Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is being implemented in three phases to guarantee safe and effective trade into the EU. Hereās a brief overview of each phase:
Phase 1: Air Courier & Postal Services (March 2021)
Launched on 15 March 2021, the first phase of ICS2 focused on postal and air courier services. Before cargo is loaded onto an aircraft, shippers have to provide Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI), which includes EORI numbers, HS codes, and goods descriptions.
Customs officials can evaluate risks and authorise shipments prior to departure thanks to this early data. Authorities make a Request for Information (RFI) if more information is required.
Phase 2: Full Air Freight Industry (March 2023)
Phase 2 implemented on 1 March 2023, that covers all air freight, including postal shipments, general cargo, and couriers.
Key requirements of ICS2 phase 2 include:
- A comprehensive Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) must be submitted.
- Adhering to rigorous deadlines:
- Short-haul flights: ENS must be sent by departure.
- Long-haul flight: ENS must arrive at customs at least four hours before arrival
Additional steps are registering arrivals, presenting goods, and transferring them to the appropriate customs process.
Moreover, important documents that need to be easily available are the ENS, PLACI, MAWB, and HAWB.
Phase 3: Maritime, Rail, Road & Inland Waterways (June 2024 ā September 2025)
ICS2 is extended to other modes of transport in the final phase:
Maritime & inland waterways: Full ENS requirements start on 3 June 2024, with house-level filers complying by 4 December 2024.
- Maritime and inland waterways carriers: Between 3 June 2024 to 4 December 2024
- Maritime and inland waterways house level filers: Between 4 December 2024 to 1 April 2025
- Road and rail carriers: Between 1 April 2025 to 1 September 2025
Read more about ICS2 for Road & Rail here!
What freight forwarders must do to comply with the ICS2?
Freight forwarders must follow these practices to ensure compliance with the ICS2 requirements:
Submit required data
For data requirements, freight forwarders must submit the following data to ICS2:
- Entry Summary Declaration (ENS)
- Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) for air freight
- Detailed information such as the EORI number, HS codes and comprehensive cargo descriptions
Stick to timelines for data submission
Freight forwarders must follow this strict timeline for submitting the ENS for the goods entering the EU:
Transport Mode | Timing for ENS submissionĀ |
Air Freight |
|
Sea Freight |
|
Road Freight (RoRo) |
|
Rail Freight |
|
Eurotunnel |
|
Follow the five-stage clearance process
To ensure seamless customs clearance under ICS2, freight forwarders must follow these steps:
1. Prepare the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS)
ENS include all necessary information, including product descriptions, HS codes, and the EORI number. Note that six-digit HS codes are now mandatory.
2. Submit Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI)
Give this information prior to the cargo being loaded on the transport vehicle.
3. Register arrival and present goods
Inform customs officials that the shipment has arrived and, if necessary, bring the items for inspection.
4. Manage intermediate storage
If required, set up temporary storage while you wait for clearance.
5. Transfer Goods to Appropriate Customs Procedures
Ensure goods are moved to the correct customs procedure based on their classification and intended use.
Wrapping up
The EU has strictly implemented Import Control System 2 (ICS2) for all the goods to strengthen border security and improve trade efficiency.
In order for freight forwarders to prosper in a highly regulated trade environment, compliance entails both meeting stringent regulatory requirements and implementing safer, more intelligent procedures.
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