ICS2: New regulations for the entry of goods by sea
As of December 4, 2024, a significant change will take effect for carriers bringing goods from Great Britain to the European Union. The new Import Control System 2 (ICS2) will become mandatory from this date for submitting the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). This means that as a carrier or customer, you must take steps now to prepare.
What is ICS2?
ICS2 is a new, advanced customs system developed by the European Union to ensure the security of its external borders. The system supports customs authorities with improved risk analysis by sharing detailed cargo information in advance. This not only helps to identify illegal trade and other threats at an early stage but also facilitates the free flow of legitimate goods within the EU.
ICS2 is being implemented in phases. Phase 1 began in 2021, focusing on postal shipments, followed by Phase 2, focusing on air freight. Phase 3 starts on December 4, 2024, and concerns goods entering the EU by sea.
Key changes
- More detailed information required
– Commodity codes (HS codes) of at least six digits for each product.
– Information on buyer and seller, including addresses. - Timeliness and accuracy of data
It is crucial that all information is provided correctly and on time. The responsibility for this lies with the customer making the booking. - New interface: Shared Trader Interface (STI)
From December 4, notifications such as the Arrival Notification (AN) and the ENS must be submitted via the STI. Ensure your software is up to date to support these new processes. - Pre-loading data
Some of the data must be available before the goods are loaded. This may require adjustments to your current workflow.
Preparing for ICS2
There are several important steps you must take to comply with the new requirements:
- Self-Conformance Test: This is a mandatory test to demonstrate that your systems are compatible with ICS2. Do you work with an IT service provider? If so, they will handle this for you.
- Requesting a deployment window: If you have a Dutch EORI number and bring goods into the EU by sea, you must draw up a schedule for the transition to ICS2.
- Consult with your software supplier: Ensure that your software meets the new system specifications.
As the transition to ICS2 can be complex, Customs offers support through webinars, an information page on douane.nl, and the National Customs Helpdesk. This helps companies adapt their processes in time and overcome bottlenecks.
Why this change?
The switch to ICS2 is part of the broader harmonization of customs processes within the EU. The system makes it possible to share risk information on goods between all 27 EU member states. This allows shipments containing unwanted goods to be identified and stopped sooner.
ICS2 not only makes risk selection more efficient but also increases the security and control of goods flows. An additional benefit is the standardization of data submission at the European level, which facilitates cooperation between member states and companies.
What does this mean for you?
As of December 4, 2024, it will no longer be possible to submit ENS declarations via the old system (ICS1). However, from December 4 to April 1, 2025, there is a transition period during which companies, such as house filers (freight forwarders), can adapt their processes and optimize ENS declarations under ICS2.
Prepare in time to avoid fines and delays. Do you have questions or require support with the transition to ICS2? Please contact your software supplier or consult the Customs information sources.
More information on this can be found on the website of the Tax and Customs Administration.