Import Control System 2 (ICS2) Requirements
The Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is an electronic safety and security system used by the European Union, as well as countries such as Norway and Switzerland, to assess risks on goods before they arrive in the customs territory.
Under ICS2, carriers and other responsible parties must submit an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), a pre-arrival safety and security declaration, providing detailed information about the goods, supply chain, and routing. This data is used by customs authorities to carry out risk analysis prior to arrival, helping to identify and prevent security threats.
Party Information - Carrier Details
For accompanied loads, the carrier is the haulier, for unaccompanied loads, it will be the shipping line. The following details are required: Carrier Details Name and address EU or XI EORI number – if the carrier does not have an EU/XI EORI number, they must register for one. Consignor and Consignee details - Full address and EORI numbers are required for both parties. Seller and Buyer details - Full address and EORI numbers are required for Seller/Buyers when they are different to the Consignee/Consignor
What the goods are
Commodity codes must be a minimum of 6 digits, and goods descriptions must be clear, specific and detailed. Vague/generic descriptions such as “meat”, “supermarket goods”, “spare parts” will not be allowed.
A link to the EU’s examples of acceptable descriptions can be found here
Watch our team, Rob and Eve, break down everything you need to know about ICS2.