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).
WHAT IS 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 with new customs safety and security measures and will facilitate free flow of trade through improved data-driven customs security processes, adapted to global business models.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ICS2?
- Increasing the protection of EU citizens and the internal market against security and safety threats.
- Allowing EU Customs authorities to better identify high-risk consignments and intervene at the most appropriate point in supply chain.
- Supporting proportionate, targeted customs measures at the external borders in crisis response scenarios.
- Facilitating cross-border clearance for the legitimate trade.
- Simplifying the exchange of information between EOs and EU Customs Authorities.
WHO IS DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY ICS2?
- Express Carriers
- Freight Forwarding and Logistics Companies
- Final Consignee established in the EU (for goods received by sea)
- Postal Operators inside and outside the EU
- Air Cargo Carriers
- Maritime, Rail and Road Transport Carriers
- Representative of all affected Economic Operators
More information can be found on the website of the European Union.
Further fact sheets can be found on the website of the European Commission.
