Update for Maritime Shipments from 1.12.2024

Information Obligations for Importers and Shippers

There is an important change from maritime shipments, which come into effect from 1.December this year.

Find below what is all about and what is key action from your side as importers and consequently shippers.

1. What is ICS2?

The European Union is introducing a new system for pre-arrival security and customs control of goods entering its territory, known as the “Import Control System 2” (ICS2). This system is a key element for enhancing customs risk management and protecting the EU internal market.

ICS2 will collect data on all goods before they arrive in the EU, allowing customs authorities to conduct effective and targeted controls. This system will bring several significant benefits:

• Increased protection of EU citizens and the internal market: ICS2 will enable better identification of high-risk shipments and intervention at the most appropriate point in the supply chain.
• Support for legal trade: The system will facilitate cross-border clearance for legal trade and simplify information exchange between economic operators and EU customs authorities.
• Effective crisis response: ICS2 will support targeted customs measures at external borders in crisis situations.

2. What does this mean in practice?

Your shipper must provide complete data for the pre-declaration submission to ICS2.

The carrier then enters this data into the ICS2 system before dispatching the shipment, allowing customs authorities to conduct pre-arrival security checks and authorize the shipment.

3. What information is required?

For pre-declaration to the Import Control System 2 (ICS2), the following data is required:

• HS Code: Each item in the shipment must have a Harmonized System (HS) code with at least six digits (preferably eight).
• Accurate description of goods: Each item must be accurately described, including the material it is made of and its purpose.
• Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number: The shipper must include the EORI number on the commercial invoice.
• Shipper and consignee details: Name, address, and contact details of the shipper and consignee.
• Transport details: Information about the carrier, mode of transport, and route.
• Weight and dimensions of the shipment: Total weight and dimensions of the shipment.

This data will enable customs authorities to conduct pre-arrival security checks and ensure smooth customs clearance.

4. What does this mean for you as a consignee?

In advance of the shipment’s departure we recommend:

1. Verify the validity and accuracy of the HS code.
2. Agree with the shipper on providing complete information on import documents and also providing it to the carrier (agent):

»Invoice with:

• »»Complete details of the consignee and shipper, including contact details
• »»Your EORI registration number
• »»Valid HS code
• »»Accurate description of goods, including material and purpose

• »Packing list with the total weight and dimensions of the shipment

5. What can happen if the provided data is incorrect or incomplete?

• The carrier (agent) will not be able to submit the relevant pre-declaration without complete and correct data.
• The shipment without a pre-declaration will not be loaded; a shipment with an incorrect HS code may be stopped at the port of unloading and held until clarification/correction, which may cause demurrage or storage charges.
• Inadequate declarations will either be rejected or subjected to intervention, with possible penalties for non-compliance.
• Any additional costs will have to be charged to the goods (consignee).

6. Related links:

• European Union – ICS2, Release 3

For additional questions, we are available at the email address: jaro-seair@jaro-seair.cz