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Customs FAQ

Find the answers to all your questions about DELTA IE or ICS2 procedures, and much more, on this page!
Our Customs FAQ aims to provide you with all the information necessary for the seamless management of your customs operations and import-export processes.

customs faq

Your questions about DELTA IE, our answers

What is the DELTA IE procedure? What are its specific features? Legal basis, stakeholders, processes, etc.: discover everything you need to know.

Who is affected by DELTA I/E?

This new DELTA I/E service concerns all operators importing and/or exporting goods from and/or to territories located outside the European Union and their customs representatives.
It also covers trade between mainland France and overseas territories.

What is DELTA I/E?

DELTA I/E (I for Import / E for Export) refers to the new import and export clearance service offered by French Customs.

What will happen to the DELTA G and X services?

DELTA I/E replaces all customs clearance applications (DELTA G 1-step / 2-step procedure for cargo freight – DELTA X for express freight).

Why a new customs declaration?

As the Union Customs Code (UCC) mandates the modernization, standardization, and digitalization of tomorrow’s customs, a new customs declaration was necessary to:

  • Comply with European law (UCC),
  • Harmonize customs declarations in Europe,
  • Modernize electronic exchanges,
  • Strengthen security and risk analysis.
What do the new declaration acronyms H1, B1, H7 mean?

H1 = Import Declaration
B1 = Export Declaration
H7 = Import Declaration for e-commerce

Is the SAD (Single Administrative Document) still available?

The SAD as an operational format (boxes 1 to 54) is no longer the reference standard in the EU since the implementation of the Union Customs Code (UCC). The SAD no longer legally exists as a mandatory format.

What are the 3 segments of the new customs declaration?

Technically, the data for the new customs declaration is divided into 3 segments:

D – Data elements required at the generic level of the declaration
GS – Data elements required at the goods transfer level
SI – Data elements required at the item level

What are the 10 thematic groups of the new customs declaration?

11. Message information (including procedure codes)
12. References of messages, documents, certificates, and authorizations
13. Stakeholders
14. Valuation/Taxation information
15. Dates/Times/Periods
16. Places/Countries/Regions
17. Customs offices
18. Identification of goods
19. Transport information (modes, means, and equipment)
99. Other data elements (statistics, guarantees, tariff data)

What happens to the former box 44 of the SAD?

The data contained in the former box 44 of the SAD is distributed across the various thematic data groups. Its content has been dispatched and is now better organized.
For example, special mentions are now in thematic group 12, dedicated to documents, certificates, and authorizations.
CANA codes are now in thematic group 18, dedicated to the identification of goods.

Is it possible to make corrections or invalidations on declarations issued via Delta G after switching to Delta I/E?

Yes, it is possible to make corrections or invalidations as long as Delta G is maintained during the double-run period. During this complementary period, operators can file invalidation and correction requests in Delta G. Operators can also complete movements initiated in Delta G.
All declarations established in DELTA G must be corrected and invalidated in DELTA G even if the operator has switched to DELTA IE.

Declarations remain managed in their original system:

  • A declaration filed in DELTA G continues its lifecycle in DELTA G;
  • A declaration filed in DELTA IE is managed in DELTA IE.
What is the new deadline for filing correction and invalidation requests in DELTA I/E?

Previously limited to twelve months, the deadline for filing correction and invalidation requests has been extended to three years.

How to establish a two-step declaration?

First, you file a simplified declaration (SD) with a minimum data set, then, within a timeframe set in your authorization, you file a supplementary declaration (SD) containing all the required data and supporting documents.

How to reconcile a simplified declaration (SD) and a supplementary declaration (SD)?

Each declaration (SD – Simplified Declaration and SD – Supplementary Declaration) receives its own declaration number.

The MRN assigned to the simplified declaration must be included in the supplementary declaration as a previous document.

During completion, must the Simplified Declaration (SD) number be included as a previous document? With which document code?

Yes, the MRN number of the simplified declaration must be included as a previous document using the code “NMRN”.

Is the Global Supplementary Declaration disappearing?

Yes, the GSD is disappearing. However, other types of supplementary declarations are offered within the framework of the ‘two-step’ procedure.

What is a Supplementary Declaration (SD)?

A Supplementary Declaration includes at least all the data from the Simplified Declaration without modification and is enriched with other data and the required supporting documents.

What are the different types of Supplementary Declarations offered?

3 types of supplementary declarations are offered:

  • General, filed at most 10 days after the release (BAE) of the simplified declaration (SD): 1 supplementary declaration (SD) per simplified declaration.
  • Periodic, filed at most 10 days after the period provided for in the authorization: 1 supplementary declaration (SD) per simplified declaration.
  • Recapitulative, filed at most 10 days after the period provided for in the authorization: several simplified declarations for one supplementary declaration: option not available in version 1 of DELTA I/E.
How many Simplified Declarations (SD) can be included in a Recapitulative Supplementary Declaration (SD)?

According to EUCDM recommendations (EU Customs Data Model version 6.2), a supplementary declaration can contain up to 9,999 simplified declarations.

Please note! Customs has informed us that, for the moment, the recapitulative supplementary declaration is not open to operators: the question of the number of simplified declarations accepted in a recapitulative supplementary declaration will be decided later.

What is a 1-step declaration? And a 2-step declaration?

A 1-step declaration (or standard declaration or former common law declaration) includes all the data necessary for customs clearance.
A 2-step declaration (or simplified declaration) contains a reduced data set.

This simplified declaration (SD) must be reconciled with a supplementary declaration (SD) which contains all the data of a customs declaration. This filing must be done within a timeframe defined in the simplified declaration authorization (daily, ten-day, or monthly).

These two clearance methods have been available since the implementation of DELTA I/E.

Can a supplementary declaration be modified after its validation?

No, any modification to a validated supplementary declaration is impossible.
However, it is permitted to make a request for correction or invalidation of the supplementary declaration.

What is a CRN number?

CRN stands for Customs Registration Number.

It is a unique reference number assigned by the competent customs authority upon registration of import or export declarations in the system.

What were the official opening dates in France for the new DELTA IE – Import and Export components?

It has been possible to declare in DELTA I since November 26, 2024, for the Import part.
The Export/exit follow-up (SDS) component has been in production since November 4, 2025.

Is a fallback procedure planned?

The DELTA IE fallback procedure is detailed in the Administrative Decision of January 18, 2026. It is applicable for import and export customs clearance.

During completion following EIDR (Entry in the Declarant's Records), which previous document code should be used?

The EIDR should be included as a previous document with the code “NCLE”.

How to regularize the payment of customs duties & taxes in the case of a Supplementary Declaration (SD)?

Payment of duties and taxes is made:
– either during the Supplementary Declaration (general, periodic, or recapitulative)
– or with deferred payment according to the same rules as currently, considering the date of the supplementary declaration.

Following the disappearance of D48 under DELTA I/E, what solution is in place for missing documents?

Regulatorily, a simplified declaration (SD) should be established without including the unknown document(s), then, in a second step, when the documents are received, the missing document(s) should be added to the supplementary declaration (SD).


A 2-step procedure authorization is mandatory to manage this process.

What about the D48?

The D48 procedure is managed within the framework of two-step customs clearance and is no longer possible on a one-step declaration.

The BOD 7525 outlines the regulatory framework and practical consequences for declarants and importers.
SECTION IV – DEFERRAL OF PRODUCTION OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FOR THE CUSTOMS DECLARATION

Is document deferral (D48) possible for a 1-step declaration?

No, document deferral (D48) is a regulatory facilitation that can only be carried by the simplified declaration (in 2 steps) in application of European regulations.

What happens to the EAV? (Awaiting Validation)

Customs has confirmed the abandonment of the EAV. Declarations move directly to a status of valid, rejected, or under control. As a result, the declarant can no longer consult the liquidation and abandon a declaration in progress if necessary.

In DELTA I/E, what happens to the Removal Credit and the Miscellaneous Operations Credit?

The Removal Credit (CE) and Miscellaneous Operations Credit (COD) are replaced by the concepts of incurred debts and potential debts.

Must new guarantees be filed in DELTA IE?

Yes, operators must file a new dematerialized CGU request in the CDS user portal (TP/CDS) since March 11, 2024.

Indeed, the form provided by CDS includes new sections that do not appear in the old paper authorizations. And the old comprehensive guarantee (CGU) authorizations could therefore not be automatically transferred to the European CDS tool.

How to distinguish between incurred debts and potential debts?

BOD Nos. 7507 and 7552 present the obligations regarding guarantees and accounting treatments in Delta IE.

See the diagram showing the new operation

Guaranteed customs debts in DELTA I/E: what is the waiver rate for AEOs?

Guarantee levels remain the same for AEO-C and F, namely 30% for incurred debts and 0% for debts likely to be incurred (waiver).

What is GUM?

GUM is the community guarantee management system whose objective is to group all customs flows (import, export, transit, simplified, H1, H7, etc.) into a single monitoring point for each commodity.

It has come into effect and is divided into 2 components:

GUM 1: central component common to all Member States
GUM1 manages all comprehensive guarantee authorizations relating to deferred payment on the CDS portal, including the possibility of filing new authorizations and modifying existing ones;

GUM 2: national component specific to each Member State
GUM2 will allow for monitoring the use of guarantees and performing management acts such as adjusting the reference amount.

If a declaration for placement under a special procedure was made in Delta G, can it be discharged in Delta I?

All special procedures whose placement declarations were filed in DELTA G are indeed discharged in DELTA I/E.

Does the DV1 still exist with Delta I/E?

No, the DV1 disappears at the same time as Delta G and Delta X because the data provided in the DV1 is to be entered in the new Delta I/E customs declaration.

What does SDS mean?

SDS (Exit Follow-up) is the new system replacing ECS (Export Control System), the former export control system.
SDS allows for monitoring the actual exit of goods from the customs territory, validating the export, and thus securing and tracing export flows.

What are the main changes in the SDS exit follow-up process?

The main changes in the exit follow-up process are:

    The dematerialization and creation of a French version of the EAD (Export Accompanying Document);
    The introduction of a storage exit notification filed by operators;
    The possibility for operators to enter discrepancies, and for exit offices to note discrepancies at several stages of the exit process

Sources:
Note to operators of March 5, 2025 – NAO 25000030
04.11.2025 – DGDDI – Note to operators DELTA IE – SDS Component
15.12.2025 – Notice_DELTA-IE_Export_SDS
09.01.2026 – NAO No. 2600002: SDS – Publication of the BOD on exit follow-up in France
04.02.2026 – DGDDI – Extension of the DELTA IE transition period – Export and SDS Component

Your ICS2 questions, our answers

What is Import Control System 2? What are its specific features? Legal basis, stakeholders, processes, etc.: discover everything you need to know about ICS2.

What is ICS2, the Import Control System 2?

The European Union has implemented the security and safety risk analysis program for goods before their arrival on European territory.

What are the different versions of ICS2?

Release 1: air express pre-loading
Release 2: air freight
Release 3: maritime, rail, road, inland waterways

What is the scope of ICS2 release 2?

All goods transported by air, express or cargo, are affected by the declaration to be produced before loading, by providing a complete ENS declaration before the arrival of the goods.

What are the legal bases?

ENS – UCC = 127, 129, 130, 136 – Delegated Regulation: data defined in Annex B. All European Union member countries are affected.

Have Switzerland and Norway adopted the same procedures?

Yes, ICS2 also applies to Switzerland and Norway. Under the Northern Ireland Protocol, Northern Ireland is also affected by ICS2.

Is the arrival notification also an integral part of ICS2?

Yes, see the Delegated Regulation; the data defined in Annex B of the UCC Delegated Act defines the expected data (formats and codifications).

Is it necessary to have a connection to an IT system?

The SAFE via conex™ solution has this connection intended for exchanging EDI messages with a European IT system.
Data can be entered on the application, which consists of a user interface that facilitates the preparation of the declaration.

What are the authentication and certification procedures?

Once you have an EORI, consult Conex, which will indicate what steps to take as an Economic Operator.

For air transport, what are the different steps included in fulfilling ICS2 obligations?

ICS2 consists of several steps.
Step 1: the “pre-loading” message must be completed as early as possible and at least before the aircraft is loaded.
Step 2: the complete ENS declaration must be completed before the aircraft arrives.
Step 3: the arrival notification must also be transmitted.

What is meant by filing?

This refers to electronic transmission only. This can be performed through the SAFE via conex™ pre-clearance software.

Who are the main stakeholders and what are their main responsibilities?

Member States support operators in their steps related to conformance testing. DG Taxud is the provider and owner of the application known as STI. This directorate developed the functional and technical specifications. DG Taxud is a stakeholder in the testing phases. It also provides training materials. These are also Economic Operators composed of different types of supply chain actors such as carriers, freight forwarders, and IT solution providers.

Among Economic Operators, who is liable for the ENS?

The carrier is responsible for completing and submitting the ENS (Article 127(4) of the UCC). If the carrier does not have all the requested information, the information missing from the carrier can be provided by other operators in the supply chain.

Which supply chain actors are likely to be impacted?

Importers, exporters, carriers, ground handlers, logistics providers, and customs representatives.

ICS2, what risks are incurred if you are not prepared?

If Customs has not received the data required under ICS2, they may decide to stop the goods, at the very least.
Detailed information is requested under ICS2. Prepare to provide customs codes by type of commodity.

Which HS codes will be requested?

Customs codes with a minimum of 6 digits and a maximum of 8 digits per product type will be requested. A detailed description of the products is also required.

Do all successful messages receive an MRN once risk management is finalized?

Yes. The Conex solution will allow you to know the status of each message and will return the MRN to you. Also refer to the RFI, RFS, or DNL updates.

What is multiple filing?

Multiple filing means that the declaration is composed of several actions consisting of completing it in several steps according to two or more types of data sets.

What level of data does the carrier generally have?

The Master filing is generally submitted by the carrier.

Who usually has the detailed data, House level?

Other parties involved, such as the freight forwarder, can intervene at the House filing level.

Which entity decided on the different scenarios?

The different scenarios are defined by the European Commission.

Multiple filing seems to be a new challenge. What foundations should be laid before starting?

Carriers and freight forwarders (FF) are encouraged to anticipate and clearly define agreements on who will transmit which message at what time based on which data.

What situations can lead to a DNL (Do Not Load)?

If the loading information reveals a situation of obvious threat.

In which languages will the exchanges between the DNL issuer (Member State) and the Economic Operator have to take place?

Mainly in English.

In case of a DNL and in the case of Multiple filing, who is informed?

All parties that have submitted information receive a message in case of a DNL.

Is the SAFE via conex™ solution open to everyone?

Yes, both operators entering data at the House level and those entering data at the Master level can use the Conex solution to exchange with the country of the first point of entry into the EU.

What are referrals for and what are the different types?

If the risk analysis of an EU country raises issues related to goods transported by air or by sea in containers, a notification in the form of a “referral” can be sent to the Economic Operator. If customs considers that the information received from Economic Operators is insufficient, they can request additional information to refine their risk assessment.

Types of referrals
If the data provided is not sufficient, customs sends an RfI (Request For Information). If customs authorities need better quality information, they are likely to send an RfA (Request for Amendment). If they detect a risk, they can send an RfS (Request for Screening). Finally, if the risk is confirmed, the EO will receive a DNL.

Can the request from customs also consist of a request for additional documents/materials?

Yes, in this case, the type and number of the document will be requested.

What should the EO do in case of an RFI?

The EO must send a response by selecting from a series of codes such as ‘A00’, ‘B00’, ‘B01’, ‘C00’, ‘C01’, ‘D00’, ‘D01’, ‘D02’, ‘S00’, and ‘S01’. Textual information is also possible in combination with the codes.

RFS – request for screening: what exactly is it?

If a shipment (cargo or postal) is considered high risk, customs may request a screening to complete the initial risk analysis of the pre-loading phase.

Are the consequences of an RFS always the same?

Depending on the case, the economic operator can provide information that the screening has been performed and report the result obtained. The economic operator can also commit to performing the screening if it has not already been done and communicate the result. If the goods are no longer on the economic operator’s premises, the economic operator and Customs agree on the best-equipped location to perform this screening.
The economic operator having provided the required data will receive information from the customs authorities clarifying that the risk assessment is indeed completed.

What is UUM & DS?

This is an application for managing and securing access to various portals made available to operators by the EU.
If the economic operator uses a Conex solution, there is no need to log in to the portal. Conex, considered as a “sender” (ITSP), handles all details related to electronic exchanges. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

Do I need to ensure I have a digital certificate if I use SAFE via conex™?

No, certificates are managed by Conex.

Can we contact DG Taxud to ask questions related to regulations?

The DG Taxud central helpdesk is only there to assist national services with tickets unresolved at the national level.

Must all e-commerce flows be subject to an ENS?
Should I worry about the Stop words list?

Yes, this list established by the EC is updated regularly. Poor descriptions can generate unvalidated ENS.

If my goods are moving with an ATA carnet, do I need to worry about ICS2?

No, this case is among the exceptions.

Should data quality be given more attention?

Of course, and increasingly so. Be sure to define which EORI and which HS codes will be declared, right from the transport booking phase.

Why ICS2 changes our working methods for all transport modes

Greater interaction between supply chain operators is required to clearly define each person’s role. You must also ensure the consistency of this risk analysis with the management of customs processes following ICS2.

Should we organize to follow the risk analysis in real time?

Yes, a solution such as SAFE via conex™ allows for real-time visualization of the statuses attached to each ENS and therefore acting accordingly.

What timeframe is feasible to prepare to become a filer?

The Conex solution allows for an immediate Go-live, without prerequisites. If the volumes of flows to be managed require the implementation of the Conex API, consult our teams who will advise you on the automation best suited to your context.

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