The Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is a pre-arrival safety and security programme that is being implemented by the EU, Switzerland, Norway and Northern Ireland as a replacement for the original Import Control System (ICS).
It is designed to support effective risk-based customs controls whilst facilitating the free flow of legitimate trade across the EU external borders.
ICS2 will 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 an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). This is a separate and different declaration to a customs declaration.
Further information can be found at this EU website.
Timelines
ICS2 is being released in 3 phases, some of which are already in force, with each release impacting upon different Economic Operators:
- Air express pre-loading & postal air pre-loading (March 2021)
- Air general cargo, air express full and postal by air full (March 2023)
- All other modes of transport including maritime, road and rail - with this final release having 3 phases:
- 03/06/2024 - 04/12/2024: Maritime and inland waterways carriers
- 04/12/2024 - 01/04/2025: Maritime and inland waterways house level filers
- 01/04/2025 - 01/09/2025: Road and rail carriers