ICS2

What is ICS2 in customs? Definition

ICS2 (Import Control System 2) is the European Union’s IT system for transmitting pre-customs clearance declarations for goods imported from third countries. ICS2 centralises the recording of security and safety information on goods before their physical arrival in the Union territory.

ICS2 functions as an early declaration formality: data relating to goods must be transmitted before the arrival of the means of transport (ship, aircraft, lorry, wagon) at the Union border. This prior declaration allows the customs authority to carry out a security risk assessment before the actual arrival of the goods. ICS2 represents a harmonisation of pre-customs clearance formalities within the European Union.

The regulatory framework for ICS2 is part of a drive for strengthened customs security and control at the external borders of the Union. Every imported consignment must be subject to a compliant ICS2 declaration, transmitted to the customs authorities at the intended point of entry. Non-compliance with ICS2 obligations leads to administrative penalties and can block the arrival of goods.

Context of use

ICS2 applies to all import flows from third countries:

• General goods imports: all goods imported from outside the Union must be subject to an ICS2 declaration before arrival. Some exemptions exist.
• Maritime imports: goods transported by sea with an ICS2 declaration transmitted before the ship’s arrival at the port of entry.
• Air imports: goods transported by air with ICS2 data transmitted before the aircraft’s arrival.
• Land imports: goods transported by road or rail with advance transmission via ICS2.
• Rail imports: goods transported by rail to or via the European Union are also subject to ICS2.
• Inland waterways: goods transported by inland waterway are also covered by ICS2 requirements under Release 3.
• Operations under special proceduresSpecial procedures are specific customs regimes that allow for the differentiated treatment of imported or exported good… [+]: ICS2 declarations required even for suspensive or special procedures.

Practical challenges

The use of ICS2 involves strict obligations:

• Mandatory advance transmission: ICS2 data must be transmitted before the physical arrival of the means of transport, according to defined deadlines (variable depending on the mode of transport).
• Completeness and accuracy of data: the information transmitted must be precise and complete (description of goods, weight, value, CN codes, etc.).
• Authentication and authorisation: access to ICS2 is reserved for authorised users (customs, declarants, freight forwarders).
• Risk assessment: the administration uses ICS2 data to assess risks before arrival and determine if additional controls are necessary.
• Possible blocking of goods: non-transmission or non-compliant data in ICS2 can lead to the blocking or diversion of goods.
• Declarant’s responsibility: it is the declarant or their customs representative who assumes responsibility for compliant transmission in ICS2.

Consult our ICS2 FAQ

How CUSTOMS via conex™ simplifies ICS2

CUSTOMS via conex™ automates ICS2 declarations:

• Automatic generation of ICS2 data
• Advance transmission via secure interface
• Status monitoring and acknowledgements
• Management of transmission deadlines
• Archiving

With CUSTOMS via conex™, your ICS2 declarations are processed without risk of non-compliance. You secure your arrivals; we optimise your pre-customs clearance formalities.

Related terms

• Pre-customs clearance
• Customs security
• ENS
• Border control