EU launches Import Control System 2 for postal & express consignments

From 15 March 2021, certain Economic Operators will be required to declare safety and security information to ICS2 via the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) on consignments shipped to the EU. Specifically, air express and air postal consignments will be affected. 

What is ICS2?

Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is designed to beef up security by improving detection of high-risk consignments and enhancing customs oversight.

In addition, European authorities also say ICS2 will make it easier for operators to exchange information with customs authorities. The system also aims to improve cross-border clearance on legitimate consignments. 

What happens if you do not comply with ICS2?

If EOs do not adapt to ICS2 by the respective deadlines, goods will not be cleared at customs. Furthermore, authorities warn that noncompliance operators could be subject to penalties.

What consignments are affected by the 15 March rollout?

ICS2 will become operational in three separate releases. The first release commences on 15 March 2021. ICS2 requirements will apply to air express and air postal consignments.

Postal operators, express carriers and third-country postal operators will be affected. Those EOs will be required to provide minimal ENS data to ICS2 for all goods they intend to ship into EU customs areas. (The second release commences in March 2023. EOs will then be required to provide a complete dataset to ENS.) 

Authorities say the additional Preloading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) will augment existing civil aviation protocols.  

Will my business be affected by ICS2?

ICS2 directly affects logistics companies such as carriers, freight forwarders and postal operators. Maritime, rail and road carriers will be directly affected by later phases of ICS2 implementation. 

Companies that are directly affected will need to ensure they have the processes and technology in place to provide complete and accurate information to ICS2.

Any business that ships goods to the EU will be indirectly affected, and will need to ensure the relevant operators are fully compliant. 

Ensure you have a holistic supply chain solution 

The ongoing adoption of new regulations demonstrates the complexity of global supply chains and the need to stay ahead of global compliance requirements. Even an apparently minor compliance failure at any point in the supply chain can see your goods refused entry by customs authorities. 

VAT IT has established a holistic service to make trade with the EU seamless and easy. re:TRADE, powered by VAT IT, will ensure full compliance at every stage of the shipping process and manage all customs and import VAT requirements. As European VAT specialists, we will reclaim your import VAT and provide clarity and expert guidance. 

Don’t leave trade to chance. Get in touch with re:TRADE for full clarity on Brexit and all the challenges of global trade.