ICS2

ICS2 (Import Control System 2) is an IT system that collects data on all goods entering the EU prior to their arrival. If you’re involved in handling, shipping, or transporting goods (including express and postal consignments) to or through the EU, Northern Ireland, Norway, or Switzerland by sea and inland waterways, you need to be aware of the new ICS2 requirements and take the necessary steps to comply with them. These requirements also concern e-commerce businesses. All Economic Operators (EOs) that bring goods to or transiting through the EU, have to declare safety and security data to ICS2, through the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). Based on the ENS, all goods are subject to safety and security risk analysis and better targeted controls.

European Commission would like to remind economic operators to strictly adhere to the ICS2 filing instructions to ensure compliance to the legal requirements and avoid potential delays and penalties. To achieve this, it is essential that ENS filers provide accurate and complete data for every shipment.

To connect to ICS2, Economic Operators have to obtain an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number from one of the EU Member States’ customs authorities. Economic Operators need to submit a complete Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) in the ICS2 system for all goods transported to or through the EU prior to their arrival. For air transport, a minimum set of information must also be filed prior to loading (pre-loading phase). A complete ENS shall contain all required data elements specific to the mode of transport or business model.

Based on the information provided in the ENS, customs authorities perform pre-loading or pre-arrival safety and security risk analysis.

As a result of risk analysis, risk mitigating referrals might be issued requesting the declarant to provide additional information, perform high risk cargo and mail screening or not to load the cargo. The risk mitigating referrals must be answered before the risk assessment can resume.
Operator of a sea-going vessel or of an aircraft must lodge an arrival notification upon the arrival of the means of transport at the Customs office of first entry.

Goods must be presented to customs upon their arrival.
Customs may also decide to impose administrative sanctions for non-compliance with data requirements.

More information can be found: https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/18fb5859-3970-4ac5-b30b-6604977a15a7/library/350b74db-60d5-417b-a9f4-2a2d17647436?p=1&n=10&sort=modified_DESC

Please note costs are involved for ENS filing. These costs usually charged in country of origin, to be paid by supplier, unless otherwise agreed.