What is ICS2?
Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is a significant electronic framework established by the European Union (EU) as of March 1, 2023, to enhance security measures and facilitate customs procedures. It serves as a central element in the EU's efforts to protect its borders and increase trade efficiency. ICS2 requires detailed electronic pre-arrival declarations (PLACI Pre Loading Advance Cargo Information) for goods entering the EU customs territory. These declarations include detailed information provided by importers, carriers, or their representatives to customs authorities, facilitating advanced risk assessments.
ICS2 is a cargo information system aimed at screening shipments for security and safety before they arrive in the EU or the United Kingdom. Although the UK has left the European Union, it remains part of Europe's safety and security zone, thus adopting ICS2.
How Does ICS2 Work?
ICS2 works as follows:
The sender provides detailed information about the shipment (air cargo and mail), themselves, and the recipient before sending it to the carrier or postal operator.
Economic operators (carriers, postal authorities, handlers, etc.) collect and analyze the information from the sender before the shipment is loaded onto the aircraft bound for the EU.
Economic operators and/or Customs authorities complete a risk assessment of the advanced information.
If a risk is identified, the authorities will try to mitigate the risk by preventing suspicious packages from being loaded onto the aircraft destined for Europe.
Data Required in the ICS2 / PLACI System
Sender's Name
Sender's Address (Including Postal Code and Phone Number)
Recipient's Name
Recipient's Address (Including Postal Code and Phone Number)
Number of Packages
Gross Weight
Detailed Description of Goods
HAWB Number (if applicable)
However, the European Union Customs Administration may find this information insufficient and request additional details.
Who is Responsible?
Importers and Exporters
Logistics Companies
Customs Authorities
Other Trade Stakeholders: ICS2 also impacts other stakeholders involved in trade at every stage. This includes financial institutions overseeing customs processes, customs brokers and consultants, industry associations, and other trade organizations. These stakeholders contribute to creating a better trade environment through the implementation of ICS2.
Timeline
Phase 1: March 15, 2021 - Air Express and Postal Pre-loading
Phase 2: March 1, 2023 - Air Cargo, Air Express, and Postal
Phase 3: June 3, 2024 - Maritime
Phase 4: April 1, 2025 - Road and Rail
Details
https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/customs-security/import-control-system-2-ics2-0/import-control-system-2-release-2_en
Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is a significant electronic framework established by the European Union (EU) as of March 1, 2023, to enhance security measures and facilitate customs procedures. It serves as a central element in the EU's efforts to protect its borders and increase trade efficiency. ICS2 requires detailed electronic pre-arrival declarations (PLACI Pre Loading Advance Cargo Information) for goods entering the EU customs territory. These declarations include detailed information provided by importers, carriers, or their representatives to customs authorities, facilitating advanced risk assessments.
ICS2 is a cargo information system aimed at screening shipments for security and safety before they arrive in the EU or the United Kingdom. Although the UK has left the European Union, it remains part of Europe's safety and security zone, thus adopting ICS2.
How Does ICS2 Work?
ICS2 works as follows:
The sender provides detailed information about the shipment (air cargo and mail), themselves, and the recipient before sending it to the carrier or postal operator.
Economic operators (carriers, postal authorities, handlers, etc.) collect and analyze the information from the sender before the shipment is loaded onto the aircraft bound for the EU.
Economic operators and/or Customs authorities complete a risk assessment of the advanced information.
If a risk is identified, the authorities will try to mitigate the risk by preventing suspicious packages from being loaded onto the aircraft destined for Europe.
Data Required in the ICS2 / PLACI System
Sender's Name
Sender's Address (Including Postal Code and Phone Number)
Recipient's Name
Recipient's Address (Including Postal Code and Phone Number)
Number of Packages
Gross Weight
Detailed Description of Goods
HAWB Number (if applicable)
However, the European Union Customs Administration may find this information insufficient and request additional details.
Who is Responsible?
Importers and Exporters
Logistics Companies
Customs Authorities
Other Trade Stakeholders: ICS2 also impacts other stakeholders involved in trade at every stage. This includes financial institutions overseeing customs processes, customs brokers and consultants, industry associations, and other trade organizations. These stakeholders contribute to creating a better trade environment through the implementation of ICS2.
Timeline
Phase 1: March 15, 2021 - Air Express and Postal Pre-loading
Phase 2: March 1, 2023 - Air Cargo, Air Express, and Postal
Phase 3: June 3, 2024 - Maritime
Phase 4: April 1, 2025 - Road and Rail
Details
https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/customs-security/import-control-system-2-ics2-0/import-control-system-2-release-2_en
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