Global and European trade associations representing shippers, forwarders, and vessel operators have issued an urgent alert to all businesses involved in the movement of goods into or via the European Union, Norway, Switzerland, or Northern Ireland, by sea, road, or rail to be ready for the new Import Control System (ICS2) that will start to be introduced from June this year.

The World Shipping Council, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders, the Global Shippers Forum, the European Community Association of Ship Brokers and Agents, the European Community Shipowners’ Associations, the European Associations for Forwarding, Transport, Logistics and Customs Services, the European Shippers Council and the International Road Transport Union, have together stressed the importance of the new controls and their impact on the movement of goods into or via the European Customs Territory by sea, road and rail.

Awareness of the implementation of the new requirements is key, says the group, as is understanding how ICS2 will affect different entities in the supply chain at different times and in distinct ways. 

ICS2 is an enhanced safety and security regime introduced jointly by Customs authorities in the EU that requires specific details of imported goods to be provided before loading or before arrival at the EU border. The requirements were introduced for air cargo during 2023 and will be extended to sea transport from June 2024 and for imports arriving by road or rail in 2025. The extensive new data requirements include 6-digit HS codes for each item in a consignment, an ‘acceptable description’, and detailed buyer and seller information.

The trade bodies, each representing different parties in the supply chain, have urged businesses involved in moving goods into the EU to begin their preparations for the extension of ICS2 now and to seek further information on how they will be affected. The European Commission’s website is the best place to start.  

Failure to comply with ICS2 requirements will result in delays and disruptions to exports to the EU from the rest of the world and to goods imported into the EU, and potentially, in accordance with Member State practice, fines and penalties for persons liable for submitting the Safety and Security data to ICS2. 

Cooperative working between the different parties involved in such shipments is crucial to keep goods moving, as symbolised by the joint call to action by the eight trade bodies.