February 24, 2023

Europe’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) for Air Shipments - Client Advisory

In 2023, the European Union (EU) Customs will be implementing a new customs Pre-Loading and Pre-Arrival safety and security program called Import Control System 2 (ICS2). ICS2 is an automated entry process that applies to all Air shipments import into or transit through EU, Northern Ireland, Norway and Switzerland. And these rules apply to all goods (except documents), regardless of value.

Air Carriers and Freight Forwarders must submit pre-loading advance cargo information to EU Customs prior to departure at origin. Pre-arrival information including all details of the cargos journey is also transmitted into ICS2.

The shipment details of pre-loading and pre-arrival messages are part of the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). To ensure the smooth implementation of this new regulation, we kindly request that you provide the new data elements for each shipment booked with Crane Worldwide Logistics prior to departure. 

Beginning March 1st, 2023, it will be mandatory to provide the following data prior to pre-loading for exportation:

1. Shipper name, address, phone, email.
2. Consignee name, address, phone, email.
3. Consignee Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number; EORI number is for business which undertake the import or export of goods into or out of the EU. 
4. Cargo Description, including 6-digit Harmonized System (HS) code for Each Line Item inside the shipment.
5. Total quantity and weight.

Upon acceptance of data into the EU Customs system the below data is analyses and a return message is received with approval or an additional action. 

• Approved to load
• Request For Information (RFI)
• Request For Screening (RFS)
• Do not load

Non-Compliance will lead to below:

• Sanctions on Carriers, including financial penalties.
• Cargo stops at the border.
• Customs clearance will not be granted.
• Additional and unnecessary interventions (exams, additional checks…)
• Rejection of poor-quality declarations (incomplete, short cuts, etc.) 

What does this mean to you?

Prior to departure of your goods that are destined or transiting through the EU, the above-mentioned information Must be provided to Crane to avoid any delays or cancellations of the shipments.

What happens if the mandatory information is not received prior to departure?

Cargo will not ship. 

Any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to our Global Trade Compliance (GTC) Team: globaltradecompliance@craneww.com

For further information regarding ICS2 timelines, read more here