The New EU customs security and safety system that will come into force

Kindly be informed that the European Union is implementing a new customs pre-arrival security and safety programme, underpinned by a large-scale advance cargo information system – Import Control System 2 (ICS2).

ICS2 is a new IT system created to collect data about all goods entering the EU prior to their arrival. Economic Operators (EOs) will have to declare safety and security data to ICS2, through the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS).

The system aims to better protect Europe’s single market and its citizens against security and safety threats and allow EU Customs authorities to better identify high-risk consignments and intervene at the most appropriate point in the supply chain.

It also will facilitate cross-border clearance for legitimate trade and simplify the exchange of information between EOs and EU Customs Authorities.

ICS2 affects all manufacturers, exporters, and individuals from outside the EU who send goods to or through the EU. They will have to provide the necessary information to directly affected economic operators.

The system will come into force from March 1, 2023.

Please note that if data is not declared to the ICS2, consignments and freight will be stopped at the EU customs borders. The goods in question will not be cleared by the customs authorities.

Inadequate declarations will either be rejected or subject to intervention, with possible sanctions imposed for non-compliance.

For more information about the system, please visit the following link:

https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/customs-security/import-control-system-2-ics2-0_en