Import Control System 2 (ICS2)
The new EU security system
- New EU security system ICS2
- Adaptation of the range of solutions
- Gradual introduction by mode of transport
- ICS2 comprises the first two stages of the import process
- Further steps of the import process follow
Your benefits
- for forwarding and logistics companies
- for carriers in maritime, rail and road transport
- for air freight companies
- for final recipients based in the EU for goods received via maritime transport
Product info
Import Control System 2 (ICS2)
The new EU security system ICS2
With the further development of the European security system ICS1 to ICS2, the EU is centralizing notification by carriers with the help of a freight pre-notification system.
Our customers can access EDI interfaces (XML, EDIFACT and Excel) as well as the ZODIAK GE customs software to efficiently map the complete ICS2 process.
The ICS2 procedure is being introduced gradually for the sectors and players concerned:
- Air freight: already mandatory
- Sea freight (shipping companies & forwarders): Migration window from 03.06.2024 to 04.12.2024.
- Road & rail transport: Introduction between 01.04.2025 and 01.09.2025
Further official information on ICS2 can be found at the following link.
The import process with ICS2
Importing goods into the EU is a 5-stage process, with the ICS2 process comprising the first two stages: Submission of the ENS and notification of arrival and mode of transportation. This is followed by the presentation of the goods to customs, temporary storage and the assignment of the goods to a customs procedure, such as the import declaration or NCTS.
Please also take a look at the following details and further information from our parent company DAKOSY AG…
Well planned for ICS2
The most important basics for your preparation
What impact does ICS2 have on economic operators?
This affects all economic operators who have an international presence or deal with third countries worldwide. As additional security data will be required for import customs procedures in future, they will have to transmit the ENS “Entry summary declarations” to ICS2 for all goods that are brought into the common security area of the EU, Switzerland and Norway.
What does “multiple filing” mean?
Sea freight and air freight carriers only have to submit basic information to the EU Advance Cargo Information System. The additional information can be reported directly to the ICS system by freight forwarders or logistics providers, for example.
This principle, known as “multiple filing”, protects competition for the players, as freight forwarders and logistics companies no longer have to disclose their customers and the associated sensitive data to the carriers as part of the process.
You can also transmit the results transparently to your customers. Simply export the data via Excel, CSV or XML interface.
Does the data have to be provided differently than before?
ICS2 is based on a standardized format called Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), which does not allow any deviations. This increases the required accuracy of the information, for example for the HS code. Previously, either the goods description or at least four digits had to be provided for the entry declaration; in future, six digits of the HS code must be transmitted. As a result, poor quality or incomplete declarations may be rejected or cause the EU customs authorities to carry out further security checks or take further action. In the worst case, the authorities will issue a loading ban or stop shipments at EU customs borders.
The website with further ICS2 details from DAKOSY can be found here!