Frequently Asked Questions: Customs, Import Control System, ICS 2

  • What is ICS2?

    The European Union is implementing the safety and security program for the risk analysis of goods before their arrival in the European territory.

  • Why not keep ICS1?

    The new ICS2 system aims to collect information about goods prior to their arrival into the EU with more efficiency and to perform checks, where required, while ensuring fluid international trade movements.

  • What are the different ICS2 releases?

    Release 1 : pre-loading messages for air postal and express consignments

    Release 2 : general air cargo

    Release 3: martime and inland waterways, road and rail cargo

  • What is the timeline for Release 2?

    Initially programmed by the EU to go live in March 2023.

    Please note: this phase has been prolonged with the Deployment Window

  • Is there a transition period?

    Yes, it’s called the “Deployment Window” and it ends on 1st October 2023, so no Big Bang!

  • What is the scope of ICS2 Release 2

    All goods transported by air in postal, express and general cargo consignments will be subject to pre-loading filing requirements, followed by complete pre-arrival ENS data requirements.

  • What is the legal basis for ICS2?

    ENS – UCC = 127, 129, 130, 136 – Delegated Act: Required data as defined in Annex B

  • All member countries of the European Union are concerned. Have Switzerland and Norway adopted the same procedures?

    Yes, ICS2 also applies to Switzerland and Norway.

    In the context of the Northern Ireland Protocol, Northern Ireland is also included in the scope of ICS2.

  • Is the Arrival Notification also an integral part of ICS2?

    Yes, please refer to the Delegated Act and the required data as defined in Annex B.

  • What is Annex B?

    Annex B of the UCC Delegated Act defines the data (formats and codifications) expected.

  • What advantages can ICS2 represent for economic operators?

    Greater consistency in all processes before customs clearance and in some cases the possibility of reusing data elements in pre- and post-customs clearance procedures.

  • Is an EORI required?

    Yes, you still need to have an EORI to file a declaration under ICS2.

    The EORI is used as an identification number in all customs procedures when exchanging information.

  • What if a group of companies has multiple EORIs?

    It is recommended that a group chooses only one EORI to use for all ICS declaration filings.

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

    The SAFE via conex™ solution will have the required connection for exchanging EDI messages with a European IT system.


    SAFE via conex™SAFE via conex™ is the solution developed by CONEX to manage advance security declarations that must be lodged prior to the importation of goods into certain customs territories and countries. Our solution complies with the World Customs Organisation’s SAFE Framework of Standards. SAFE via conex™ respects the regulations of each country as well as the various communication protocols with the relevant customs administration servers.

    With SAFE via conex™ , you benefit from an intuitive and reliable work interface, completely freed from the technical constraints associated with the transmission of security messages. In the context of the new British customs formalities brought about by the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, SAFE via conex™  provides a connection to the GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service) and S&S GB (Safety & Security) system.

    >>> more

  • Can the data also be input on an easily accessible application?

    The SAFE via conex™ solution will make data entry easier for those of you who do not have a large volumes of declarations to prepare.


    SAFE via conex™SAFE via conex™ is the solution developed by CONEX to manage advance security declarations that must be lodged prior to the importation of goods into certain customs territories and countries. Our solution complies with the World Customs Organisation’s SAFE Framework of Standards. SAFE via conex™ respects the regulations of each country as well as the various communication protocols with the relevant customs administration servers.

    With SAFE via conex™ , you benefit from an intuitive and reliable work interface, completely freed from the technical constraints associated with the transmission of security messages. In the context of the new British customs formalities brought about by the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, SAFE via conex™  provides a connection to the GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service) and S&S GB (Safety & Security) system.

    >>> more

  • What are the authentication and certification procedures?

    Once you hold an EORI, consult CONEX to learn more about the steps to take as an economic operator.

  • What are the main differences between ICS1 and ICS2 for goods transported by air?

    The new features in ICS2 as opposed to ICS1 include:

    – whereas in the context of ICS1, the ENS data is filed in a single message, ICS2 opens the way to multiple filing.

    – whereas the ENS is filed after the aircraft is loaded in ICS1, ICS2 imposes a reduced ENS dataset, including PLACI data, to be filed prior to the loading.

    ICS1 ENS is filed as a single declaration. For ICS2 there are multiple message combinations, both pre-loading and pre-arrival datasets to choose from, depending on the EO’s operational methods.

    – There is no Do Not Load (DNL) for goods transported by air in ICS1. Release 2 of ICS2 sees not only the introduction of a DNL, but also other so-called “Referral” notifications.

    – Compared to ICS1, there is the requirement to provide more detailed House-level data, including a commodity code of at least 6 characters AND a detailed description of the goods.

  • What are the main steps involved in filing messages to ICS2?

    The new version of ICS is made up of several steps:

    Step 1: the “pre-loading” message must be filed as early as possible and at least before the loading of the aircraft.

    Step 2: the complete ENS declaration must be filed before the arrival of the aircraft.

    Step 3: the arrival notification must be filed.

  • Why do we say that ICS2 (R2) consists of a double risk analysis?

    Risk analysis is performed on the data sent in the “pre-loading” message AND on the complete data filed in the “pre-arrival” message.

  • What must be done after the arrival notification in the framework of ICS2?

    The following steps fall under PNTS (Presentation/Notification).

    This is followed by the usual customs import process.

  • What is meant by filing / lodging?

    Filing or lodging of ICS2 data must be via an electronic transmission only.

    This can be performed through the SAFE via conex™ application.


    SAFE via conex™SAFE via conex™ is the solution developed by CONEX to manage advance security declarations that must be lodged prior to the importation of goods into certain customs territories and countries. Our solution complies with the World Customs Organisation’s SAFE Framework of Standards. SAFE via conex™ respects the regulations of each country as well as the various communication protocols with the relevant customs administration servers.

    With SAFE via conex™ , you benefit from an intuitive and reliable work interface, completely freed from the technical constraints associated with the transmission of security messages. In the context of the new British customs formalities brought about by the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, SAFE via conex™  provides a connection to the GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service) and S&S GB (Safety & Security) system.

    >>> more

  • What is the level of detail required?

    The ENS is necessary for each consignment.

  • Who are the major skateholders and what are their major responsabilities?

    The Member States support the operators in their procedures related to conformance testing

    DG Taxud is the STI owner and supplier. It elaborates the functional and technical specifications.

    It participates in tests. It provides a training environment and training material.

    It’s also the Economic Operators including different supply chain actors such as carriers, freight forwarders, IT service providers etc.

  • Among the economic operators, who is responsible for the ENS?

    The carrier bringing the goods into the EU (customs territory of the EU), has to lodge an ENS.

    When the carrier does not dispose of the required particulars, some data elements may be lodged by the operator other than the carrier …

  • Which supply chain actors are likely to be impacted?

    – Importer, exporters

    – Carriers

    – Handlers

    – Logistics service providers

    – Customs representatives.

  • When must the economic operator provide the data? What are the time limits for the transport by air?

    The minimum dataset must be lodged as early as possible and at the latest before the goods are loaded onto the aircraft.

    The complete ENS dataset is lodged at the time of the actual departure when the duration of the flight is less than 4 hours.

    For flights longer than 4 hours, the complete data set must be lodged at least 4 hours before arrival.

  • What are the risks if you are not prepared?

    If the customs authorities have not received the required ICS2 data, at the least the goods may be stopped by customs.

  • Detailed information is requested within the framework of ICS2. Be prepared to provide customs codes per commodity type. What HS codes will be requested?

    A minimum of 6- and maximum 8-digit codes per product type will be requested.

    A detailed description of the goods is also mandatory.

  • Among the many messages defined by DG TAXUD, which ones apply to ICS2?

    From F20 to F29 for goods transported by air.

  • What is PLACI?

    The principles and concept of PLACI (Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information) emanating from the WCO and ICAO, govern the information to be provided about the cargo prior to loading the aircraft.

    The PLACI message refers to a 7+1 minimum data set transmitted before the cargo is loaded onto the aircraft in the third country. Please contact us for more details.

  • With regards to data, what is the main difference between the pre-loading and the pre-arrival messages?

    In addition to the 7+1 data elements of the PLACI, the pre-arrival message contains a number of important data elements such as the types of packages, the customs offices, the modes of payment etc.

  • MRN

    Movement reference number

  • Will both types of messages (pre-loading and pre-arrival) be covered by a single MRN?

    No, each message will be the object of an MRN.

    Our solution will enable you to manage each MRN.

  • Will all successful messages have an MRN once the risk analysis is finalised?

    Yes, the CONEX solution allows you to follow the status of each message and will return the MRN to you. See also explanations about the new RFI, RFS and DNL.

  • What information is likely to be missing at the Pre-loading phase?

    At the Pre-loading phase, it is complicated if not impossible to have the departure time and the complete information regarding transport.

  • What is multiple filing?

    Multiple filing means that the declaration is composed of two or more filings corresponding to two or more prescribed data-sets.

  • What level of data does the carrier usually have?

    The Master filing is generally submitted by the carrier.

  • Who usually has the detailed, house-level data?

    Other parties involved, such as the freight forwarders, can intervene at the house filing level.

  • What are the possible main types of filing?

    Here are some examples of the different scenarios:

    – Single-filing by the carrier

    – Double-filing by the carrier and the consignee (several scenarios possible)

    Multiple-filing generally includes the carrier, the consignor, the consignee or their freight forwarders.

  • Which entity set out the various filing scenarios?

    Different scenarios are defined by the European Commission.

  • Multiple filing seems to be a new challenge. What are the basics to know before starting?

    The carriers and the freight forwarders (FF) are required to anticipate, and to define clearly the arrangements about who will file which message and when and based on which data elements.

  • What kinds of risks are analysed during the pre-loading phase?

    Any introduction of goods which could bring about the destruction of the aircraft such as IEDs (Improvised Explosice Device) or IID (Improvised incendiary device) also known as parcel bombs.

  • A DNL? For air transport? Is that new?

    Yes! ICS1 saw the possibility of a DNL in the context of containerised goods transported by sea.

    A DNL for air transport is one of the main new features of ICS2.

  • What kinds of situations could lead to a DNL?

    If the submitted information about the goods to be loaded points to an obvious treat, even after further investigation in the form of a request for additional information or amendment (RfI) and a request for the goods to be scanned (RfS).

  • In which languages will the messages between the issuer of the DNL (Member State) and the Economic Operator be exchanged?

    English will be the main language of communication in this context.

  • In the event of a DNL (Do Not Load), and in the context of multiple filing, who is informed?

    All the parties having filed informations will receive a message in the event of a DNL.

  • Is the SAFE via conex™ open to all?

    Both operators providing data at House level or those providing data at Master level can use the Conex solution to exchange with the first point of entry country into the EU.

  • RFA

    Request For Amendment

  • RFI

    Request For Information

  • RFS

    Request For Screening

  • Referrals? Another new feature?

    Yes, in the event that EU risk analysis triggers issues concerning goods to be transported by air, a notification in the form of a so-called “referral” code may be returned to the EO.

  • What are referrals for?

    If the customs authorities consider that the information received from the economic operator is insufficient, they may request additional information in order to refine their risk analysis.

  • What are the different types of referrals?

    The EO may receive:

    1 RfI,

    1 RfS

    or 1 DNL

  • In which circumstances?

    – If the data provided is not sufficient, the customs authorities will send an RfI.

    – If the customs authorities require better quality data, they may send a RfA.

    – If a risk is detected, they may send an RfS and if such a risk is confirmed, the EO will receive a DNL.

  • Will the SAFE via conex™ solution manage referrals?

    Yes, our application will process all cases; it will be able to manage all exchanges between the operator and customs.


    SAFE via conex™SAFE via conex™ is the solution developed by CONEX to manage advance security declarations that must be lodged prior to the importation of goods into certain customs territories and countries. Our solution complies with the World Customs Organisation’s SAFE Framework of Standards. SAFE via conex™ respects the regulations of each country as well as the various communication protocols with the relevant customs administration servers.

    With SAFE via conex™ , you benefit from an intuitive and reliable work interface, completely freed from the technical constraints associated with the transmission of security messages. In the context of the new British customs formalities brought about by the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, SAFE via conex™  provides a connection to the GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service) and S&S GB (Safety & Security) system.

    >>> more

  • RfI, is this something new in the framework of ICS2?

    A request for Information is a notification sent by the customs to the filing operator requesting further details on the particulars of the ENS.

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

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

  • What must the EO do in the event of an RfI?

    The EO must send a response by picking from a series of codes such as Codes ‘A00’, ‘B00’, ‘B01’, ‘C00’, ‘C01’, ‘D00’, ‘D01’, ‘D02’, ‘ S00’ and ‘S01’.

    Textual information is also possible combined with codes.

  • RfS Request for Screening. What does this consist of?

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

  • Are the consequences of an RfS always the same?

    – Depending on the case, the EO can provide information that the screening has been carried out and provide information on the result obtained.

    – The EO can also undertake to carry out the screening if it has not already been carried out and communicate the result.

    – If the goods are no longer on the EO’s premises, the latter and customs agree on the place best equipped to carry out this screening.

  • Does the Economic Operator receive information clarifying that the risk assessment has indeed been completed?

    Yes, the customs authorities issue a message indicating to the operator who provided the data that the assessment is complete.

  • Have you prepared your ToDo list?

    Some examples of questions to ask yourselves:

    – Have you adapted your processes?
    – Do you have the required data at the right moment?
    – Are the data elements reliable and complete?
    – Have you well-defined the roles of the different actors: carrier, house-level filer, notify party etc?
    – How will you manage and follow up on a DNL?

  • What's required to set up for ICS2? Are EOs required to perform connectivity and conformance testing?

    Your EDI service provider, CONEX, will take care of all these tests for you.

  • What is the UUM&DS?

    It enables secure access to various applications.

    The operators/editors must identify themselves via the UUM&DS.

    Different levels of identification has been defined.

  • Is a certificate necessary?

    Yes and No

    Yes, the messages must be sealed with a registered certificate,
    but no, not necessary for the economic operator as a certificate will be managed by Conex who is considered as “sender”, therefore making it possible to manage the messages.

    Please contact us for more details.

  • Which entity must I address to obtain a digital certificate?

    Each MS manages its own list of Trusted Certificate Authorities.

  • From which entity can economic operators expect support at all stages of the implementation?

    National Service Desks should offer an in-depth level of support.

    At this stage, Conex, as your IT provider, has the delicate mission of seeking to deepen all the questions and find the answers from different administrations.

  • Can DG TAXUD be contacted to ask questions related to the regulations?

    The central DG TAXUD helpdesk is only there to assist the national services in the context of unresolved tickets at the national level.

  • Do you already have certainty about all the possible scenarios?

    In any case, do not hesitate to submit your questions/doubts to the CONEX team.

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