ICS 2

ICS2, for Import Control System 2, is the European information system dedicated to the collection of safety and security data before the arrival of goods on the territory of the European Union. It gradually replaces the previous ICS1 system, bringing enhanced functionality and extended coverage.

The main objective of ICS2 is to enable EU customs authorities to better anticipate the risks associated with international goods flows. Thanks to this system, data is analysed before the physical arrival of goods, which reinforces anticipated controls and improves the fluidity of exchanges.

The system now applies to all modes of transport: air, sea, rail and road. It is part of the Union Customs Code (UCC) and contributes to the overall security of the international supply chain.

The ICS2 system has been designed to enhance security at the European Union's external borders while facilitating international trade. Its main objective is to collect information on goods before they arrive in the territory, in order to allow an effective risk analysis by the customs authorities.

Thanks to ICS2, the European Union can identify potentially dangerous or non-compliant goods in advance, limit threats to public health or internal security, and speed up the processing of low-risk flows. It is therefore a preventive risk management tool, focused on safety and security.

ICS2 also allows for the harmonisation of customs practices between Member States, based on a centralised system, common to the whole EU. In doing so, it helps to improve traceability, transparency and coordination within the supply chain.

The ICS2 system applies to any person or company involved in the transport of goods to the European Union, regardless of the mode of transport used: air, sea, rail or road. This includes carriers, registered customs representatives, importers, as well as logistics platforms or other economic operators filing an ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) declaration.

Each actor concerned must provide a set of precise information on the goods transported in advance, in order to allow the customs authorities to carry out a risk analysis before their arrival on the territory.

🔍 Significant exemptions :

1. Goods originating in Switzerland and Norway.
2. Personal effects and non-commercial objects under an ATA carnet, unless they are travelling under a contract of carriage.

It is therefore essential for all logistics and international trade professionals to clearly identify their role in the ICS2 reporting chain, under penalty of blocking or denied boarding (DNL message).

The deployment of the ICS2 system is carried out in several successive phases, depending on the mode of transport:

• March 2021 : Entry into force of Phase 1, concerning express air freight operators.
• March 2023 : Launch of Phase 2, extended to the entire aviation sector (airlines, freight forwarders, customs representatives, etc.).
• January to October 2024 : Phase 3, with a gradual roll-out for maritime, road and rail transport.

📅 An important deadline: the use of the ICS2 system will become widespread from September 2025.

As of this date, all operators will have to have ICS2 integrated into their safety declaration processes. The tolerance period ends, and any failure to do so may result in denied boarding or a blockage in customs.

It is therefore crucial for the professionals concerned to finalize their compliance before 1st September 2025, in order to ensure the continuity of their international operations.

The data is transmitted in ICS2 before the goods arrive in the customs territory of the European Union. It takes the form of an ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) containing precise information on the sender, the consignee, the type of goods, the mode of transport, the weight, the packaging, and the EORI number. This formality therefore takes place before customs clearance, in order to allow the authorities to carry out risk management upstream.

This Entry Summary Declaration must be transmitted electronically via one of the interfaces provided by the customs administration, in particular the European portal or, for authorised operators, via a secure B2B interface such as the STI (Shared Trader Interface).

At ASA, we support our clients in the preparation and transmission of their ICS2 returns, ensuring data compliance, accuracy and timeliness. Our customs formalities specialists take care of the entire process, from document control to the sending of the mandatory logistics envelope (ELO), in order to avoid any refusal or blockage at the import.

Working with ASA means benefiting from personalized expertise, secure processing and precious time savings in the management of your ICS2 formalities.