EU introduces new import policy

The European Union has disclosed plans to implement a robust customs pre-arrival safety and security system targeting cargoes entering the region via sea, rail, and road.

The EU said in a statement that the new initiative aligns with its Import Control System 2 and would  launch on June 3, 2024.

According to the union, the new policy will require traders to provide data on goods sent to or through the region before their arrival.

The union said the new process, which applies to maritime and inland waterways, as well as road and rail in the region, would mandate importers to make a complete entry summary declaration.

This is the third phase of the implementation of the new system that will extend safety and security data reporting requirements to all modes of transport.

Similar requirements already went into force for air transportation of goods, the EU said.

The statement read in part, “With this third release, maritime and inland waterways, road and rail carriers will also need to provide data on goods sent to or through the EU before their arrival, through a complete Entry Summary Declaration (ENS).

“This obligation also concerns postal and express carriers who transport goods using these modes of transport as well as other parties, such as logistics providers. In certain circumstances, final consignees established in the EU will also have to submit ENS data to ICS2.”

The EU advised traders to prepare in advance for Release 3 to avoid the risk of delays and non-compliance.

“Affected businesses will be required to make sure they collect accurate and complete data from their clients, update their IT systems and operational processes, and provide adequate training to their staff.”

Traders were also required to complete a self-conformance test from “December 11, 2023” before connecting to ICS2, “to verify their ability to access and exchange messages with customs authorities”.

The Union said EU Member States will grant authorisation, upon request, to the affected traders to gradually connect to ICS2 within a time-limited deployment window.

“Member States can grant the deployment window anytime within the following timeframes: from 3 June 2024 to 4 December 2024 (maritime and inland waterway carriers); from 4 December 2024 to 1 April 2025 (maritime and inland waterway house level filers); and from 1 April 2025 to 1 September 2025 (road and rail carriers).

“If traders are not ready on time, and do not provide the data required under ICS2, goods will be stopped at the EU borders and will not be cleared by the customs authorities.”