The European Union (EU) advance manifest regulations have changed considerably since the launch of the third release of the EU’s customs pre-arrival safety and security system – Import Control System (ICS2). All involving Economic Operators (EOs) carrying goods entering the EU will have to submit a complete Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) dataset to ICS2, including logistic providers issuing transport documents to their clients, and in certain circumstances also final consignees established in the EU. The first deployment window for maritime carriers is spanned from 3rd June 2024 to 4th December 2024, and the obligation for house-level filers to start the ENS filing with ICS2 Release 3 will come into effect soon on 4th December 2024.
What Is ICS2 Release 3
ICS2 is an upgraded IT system that collects data on all goods entering the EU prior to their arrival, which is operational in three releases. Each release affects different EOs and models of transport. Depending on the type of services that EOs provide in the international movement of goods, they should declare their goods to ICS2 starting from three release dates of ICS2 respectively (15th March 2021, 1st March 2023, and 3rd June 2024). With the implementation of ICS2 Release 3, anyone involved in the handling, shipping, or transportation of goods (including express and postal shipments) to or through the EU, Northern Ireland, Norway, or Switzerland by sea, inland waterways, road, or rail must familiarize themselves with the new ICS2 requirements and take the necessary actions to ensure compliance. These requirements also concern e-commerce businesses.
ICS2 Release 3 Go-Live Date by Transport Mode and EO’s Role
- 3rd June 2024: maritime and inland waterways carriers
- 4th December 2024: maritime and inland waterways house level filers
- 1st April 2025: road and rail carriers
Compared to ICS1 What Are the Most Crucial Changes?
The EU is now asking for more data elements than before. Under ICS1 there was no request on house level data or Buyer/Seller data, but this information might be a must now as per the new ICS2 requirements. House-level data is mandatory for all movements, including cargo destined to the EU, transshipment, Freight Remaining on Board (FROB) cargo with a destination outside the EU, or EU goods if they were on board the vessel during a port call outside the EU; Buyer/seller data will have to get filed with EU Customs if the cargo is destined to an EU country.
What Data Elements Are Mandatory under ICS2 regulations?
Under the new ICS2 regulations, customers would be required to provide new data elements as part of the Shipping Instructions (SI) so that declarants could successfully submit detailed safety and security information about the transported goods in ICS2 through a complete ENS, in the format of single or multiple filings, prior cargo loading at Compliance Load port. Please pay particular attention to certain data requirements in the ENS:
If House Bill of Lading (HB/L) is NOT issued in the shipment (Straight Carrier Bill of Lading issued ONLY)
- Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI)number of the Consignee established in the EU (if such number was assigned to this party) and full address of the Shipper and Consignee/ First Notify Party including Company Name, address, Postal Code, City and Country Name, Email ID or Phone Number
- 6-Digit Harmonized System (HS) Code for each cargo item plus adequate cargo description
- CUS Code for harmless and DG chemicals if included in the European Customs Inventory of Chemical Substances (ECICS)
- The information about Seller and Buyer for goods with the final destination in the EU
If underlying HB/L is issued in the shipment
- Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI)number of the Consignee established in the EU (if such number was assigned to this party) and full address of the Shipper and Consignee/ First Notify Party including Company Name, address, Postal Code, City and Country Name, Email ID or Phone Number
- 6-Digit HS Code for each cargo item plus adequate cargo description
- CUS Code for harmless and DG chemicals if included in the European Customs Inventory of Chemical Substances (ECICS)
- EORI number of the Supplementary Declarant (self-filer) who is responsible for performing subsequent partial filing
- The information about Seller and Buyer for goods with the final destination in the EU
Ocean carriers have rolled out and are strictly implementing the “No MRN No Load” policy, which means that without a valid MRN (Movement Reference Number) from EU Customs, cargo will not be loaded but shifted to the next available vessel. Therefore we request you to provide a complete and accurate SI with all details included before the documentation cut-off time so that we can file ENS on time.
We appreciate your continued support and trust. Should you have any questions or inquiries, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
