The European Union (EU) has implemented the Import Control System 2 (ICS2), a comprehensive customs pre-arrival safety and security program designed to enhance the protection of its citizens and the single market. ICS2 collects advance cargo information, enabling EU customs authorities to perform risk assessments before goods arrive at the EU’s external borders. This system is being deployed in multiple phases, each affecting different economic operators and modes of transport.

The deployment of ICS2 is structured into three releases:

1. Release 1 (15 March 2021): This initial phase targeted postal and express carriers transporting goods by air into the EU. These operators were required to submit minimum data sets for pre-loading advance cargo information.
2. Release 2 (1 March 2023): This phase extended the requirements to all air carriers, freight forwarders, express couriers, and postal operators involved in transporting goods by air to or through the EU. They must provide complete Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) data prior to the arrival of goods at the EU external border. Some EU Member States received a derogation, allowing them to connect to ICS2 Release 2 by 30 June 2023.
3. Release 3 (3 June 2024): This final phase encompasses maritime and inland waterway transport. Maritime and inland waterway carriers are required to submit complete ENS data for all goods before their arrival into the EU. A deployment window from 3 June to 4 December 2024 has been established for carriers to connect to the system. 

ATTENTION: House-level filers, such as freight forwarders and logistics operators, responsible for house-level data filing in the ENS submission process, have a deployment window starting on 4 December 2024 and ending on 1 April 2025.

Exporters from Southeast Asia should be particularly attentive to these developments, as compliance with ICS2 requirements is mandatory for all goods entering or transiting through the EU. Key features of ICS2 include:

• Advance Data Submission: Economic operators must submit ENS data electronically before goods arrive at the EU border, allowing for pre-arrival risk assessments.
• Comprehensive Risk Management: ICS2 enables EU customs authorities to identify high-risk consignments and intervene at the most appropriate points in the supply chain.
• Phased Implementation: The system’s deployment in multiple phases allows operators in different transport sectors to prepare and comply with the new requirements.

A specific reminder to air and sea freighters:

• Air freight operators must ensure that their data submission systems are fully integrated with ICS2 to comply with Release 2 requirements. Non-compliance could result in shipment delays or refusal of entry.
• Sea freight and inland waterway carriers should urgently begin preparations for Release 3, as failure to provide ENS data within the designated deployment window (3 June–4 December 2024) could cause significant disruptions in cargo movement. Freight forwarders handling house-level data should be ready for their submission window starting 4 December 2024.

To ensure a smooth transition and avoid potential disruptions, exporters and logistics providers are advised to:

• Stay Informed: Regularly consult official EU resources and communications for updates on ICS2 requirements and timelines.
• Assess Readiness: Evaluate current processes and systems to determine necessary adjustments for compliance with ICS2.
• Engage with Partners: Collaborate with carriers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers to ensure all parties are aligned and prepared for ICS2 obligations.

By proactively addressing these requirements, Southeast Asian exporters can maintain seamless trade operations with the EU and contribute to the security and efficiency of the global supply chain.

More information can be found here.