The European Union’s (EU) new customs pre-arrival safety and security system otherwise known as Import Control System 2 (ICS2) will introduce a new process for entry of goods for all modes of transportation in the continent effective June 3, 2024.
The new process will cover goods coming into Europe through maritime and inland waterways, road, rail and air.
According to a statement by the EU, the new process will be the third phase or release of the implementation of the new system that will extend safety and security data reporting requirements to all modes of transport.
The statement added that similar requirements has already gone into force for air transportation of goods.
With this third release, the EU said maritime and inland waterways, road and rail carriers will also need to provide data on goods sent to or through the EU prior to their arrival, through a complete Entry Summary Declaration (ENS).
This obligation, the EU further said also concerns postal and express carriers who transport goods using these modes of transport as well as other parties, such as logistics providers.
It reads: “In certain circumstances, final consignees established in the EU will also have to submit ENS data to ICS2.
“Traders are strongly advised to prepare in advance for Release 3 to avoid the risk of delays and non-compliance.
“Affected businesses will be required to make sure they collect accurate and complete data from their clients, update their IT systems and operational processes, and provide adequate training to their staff.
“From 11 December 2023, traders will also need to successfully complete a self-conformance test before connecting to ICS2, to verify their ability to access and exchange messages with customs authorities.
“EU Member States will grant authorisation, upon request, to the affected traders to gradually connect to ICS2 within a time-limited deployment window.