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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 you need 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.: find out everything you need to know.

Who is affected by DELTA I/E?

This new DELTA I/E service concerns all economic 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 customs 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 modernisation, standardisation, and digitalisation of tomorrow’s customs, a new customs declaration was necessary to:

  • Comply with European law (UCC),
  • Harmonise customs declarations in Europe,
  • Modernise 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?

From an IT perspective, the data of the new customs declaration is structured into 3 segments:

D – Data elements required at the generic declaration level
GS – Data elements required at the goods movement 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 authorisations
13. Economic operators
14. Valuation information/Duties and taxes
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 among the different thematic data groups. Its content has been dispatched and is now better organised.
For example, special mentions are now in thematic group 12, dedicated to documents, certificates and authorisations.
CANA are now in thematic group 18, dedicated to the identification of goods.

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

Yes, it is possible to make rectifications or invalidations as long as Delta G is maintained during the double run period. During this complementary period, economic operators can submit invalidation and rectification requests in Delta G. Economic operators can also complete movements initiated in Delta G.
All declarations established in DELTA G must be rectified and invalidated in DELTA G even if the economic operator has switched to DELTA IE.

Declarations remain managed in their original system:

  • A declaration filed in DELTA G continues to be managed in DELTA G;
  • A declaration filed in DELTA IE is managed in DELTA IE.
What is the new deadline for establishing rectification and invalidation requests in DELTA I/E?

Previously limited to twelve months, the deadline for submitting rectification and invalidation requests is extended to three years.

How to establish a two-step declaration?

Firstly, you file a simplified declaration (SD) with a minimal set of data, then, within a period specified in your authorisation, you file a supplementary declaration (SD) covering all required data and accompanying 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 unique declaration number.

The MRN assigned to the SD must be included in the SD as the previous document.

When completing, should the SD (Simplified Declaration) number be included as the previous document? With which document code?

Yes, the MRN of the SD must be included as the previous document using the code “NMRN”.

Will the Global Supplementary Declaration disappear?

Yes, the GSD will disappear. 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 accompanying 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 BAE of the simplified declaration (SD): 1 supplementary declaration (SD) per SD.
  • Periodic, filed at most 10 days after the period provided in the authorisation: 1 supplementary declaration (SD) per SD.
  • Summary, filed at most 10 days after the period provided in the authorisation: several SDs for one SD: option not available in version 1 of DELTA I/E.
How many simplified declarations (SDs) can be included in a summary supplementary declaration (SD)?

According to the recommendations of the EUCDM (EU Customs Data Model version 6.2), an SD can contain up to 9999 SDs.

Warning! Customs has informed us that, for the moment, the summary supplementary declaration is not open to economic operators: the question of the number of accepted SDs in a summary SD 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 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 made within a deadline, defined in the simplified declaration authorisation (daily, decadal or monthly).

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

Can a supplementary declaration be modified after validation?

No, any modification to a validated supplementary declaration is impossible.
However, it is permitted to make a request for rectification 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 sections?

It has been possible to declare in DELTA I for the Import section since 26 November 2024.
The Export/Exit Monitoring (SDS) section has been in production since 4 November 2025.

Is a fallback procedure planned?

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

When completing following IED (Entry in the Declarant's Records), which previous document code should be used?

The IED should be used as the previous document with the code “NCLE”.

How to regularise the payment of customs duties & taxes in the case of a supplementary declaration (SD)?

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

Following the disappearance of D48s under DELTA I/E, what solution is in place for missing documents?

Regulationally, a simplified declaration (SD) should be established without including the unknown document(s), then, at a later stage, when the documents are received, the missing document(s) should be added to the supplementary declaration (SD).


An authorisation for a 2-step procedure 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 for a one-step declaration.

Le BOD 7525 outlines the regulatory framework and practical consequences for declarants and importers.
SECTION IV – DEFERRED PRODUCTION OF ACCOMPANYING 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 supported by the simplified declaration (2-step) in application of European regulations.

What happens to the EAV? (Pending Validation)

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

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

The CE and COD are replaced by the notions of accrued debts and potential debts.

Must new guarantees be filed in DELTA IE?

Yes, economic operators must submit a new dematerialised CGU application in the CDS user portal (TP/CDS) since 11 March 2024.

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

How to distinguish between accrued debts and potential debts?

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

See the diagram presenting the new operation

Customs debts guaranteed in DELTA I/E: what is the exemption rate for AEOs?

The guarantee levels remain the same for AEO-C and F, namely 30% for accrued debts and 0% for potential debts (exemption).

What is the GUM?

The 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 consignment.

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

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

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

If a special procedures declaration 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 must be entered in the new DELTA I/E customs declaration.

What does SDS mean?

SDS (Exit Monitoring) is the new system that replaces ECS (Export Control System), the old export control system.
SDS allows 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 monitoring process?

The main changes in the exit monitoring process are:

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

Sources:
Note to economic operators of 5 March 2025 – NAO 25000030
04.11.2025 – DGDDI – Note to DELTA IE economic operators – SDS section
15.12.2025 – Notice_DELTA-IE_Export_SDS
09.01.2026 – NAO N° 2600002: SDS – Publication of the BOD on exit monitoring in France
04.02.2026 – DGDDI – Extension of the DELTA IE transition period – Export and SDS section

Your questions about the ICS2, our answers

What is the 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 programme for risk analysis of goods before their arrival in European territory.

What are the different versions of ICS2?

Version 1: pre-loading of air express
Version 2: air freight
Version 3: maritime, rail, road, waterways

What is the scope of ICS2 release 2?

All goods transported by air, express or cargo are concerned by the declaration to be produced before loading, by the provision of 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 EU Member States are concerned.

Have Switzerland and Norway adopted the same procedures?

Yes, ICS2 also applies to Switzerland and Norway. Within the framework of the Northern Ireland Protocol, Northern Ireland is also concerned 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 designed to exchange EDI messages with a European IT system.
Data can be entered on the application, which consists of a user interface that facilitates the declaration to be prepared.

What are the authentication and certification procedures?

Once you have an EORI, consult Conex who will tell you what steps to take as an economic operator.

For air transport, what are the different steps included in how to fulfil 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 is an electronic transmission only. This can be done through the SAFE via conex™ pre-customs clearance software.

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

Member States support economic operators in their efforts related to conformance tests. DG Taxud is the provider and owner of the application known as STI. This directorate has developed the functional and technical specifications. DG Taxud is involved in the testing phases. It also provides training materials. These are also the economic operators composed of different types of actors in the logistics chain 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 they do not have all the requested information, the missing information can be provided by other economic operators in the logistics chain.

Which supply chain actors are likely to be impacted?

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

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

If customs has not received the required data under ICS2, they may decide to stop the goods, at a minimum.
Detailed information is required under ICS2. Be prepared to provide customs codes by type of goods.

Which HS codes will be requested?

Customs codes of 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 finalised?

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

What is multiple filing?

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

What level of data does the carrier generally have?

Master filing is generally submitted by the carrier.

Who usually has the detailed data, House level?

Other involved parties, 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) need to anticipate and clearly define agreements on who will transmit which message at what time based on what data.

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

If the loading information reveals a clear threat situation.

In which languages will the exchanges between the DNL issuer (Member State) and the economic operator need to take place?

Mainly in English.

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

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

Is the SAFE via conex™ solution open to everyone?

Yes, both economic operators entering data at the House level and those entering data at the Master level can use the Conex solution to exchange with the first country 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 the 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 RFI?

The EO must send a response by choosing 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 consignment (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 EO can provide information that the screening has been carried out and report on the result obtained. The EO can also commit to carrying out the screening if it has not already been done and communicate the result. If the goods are no longer on the EO’s premises, the latter and customs agree on the best-equipped location to carry out this screening.
The economic operator who provided the required data will receive information from the customs authorities clarifying that the risk assessment has indeed been completed.

What is UUM & DS?

It is an application for managing and securing access to various portals made available to economic operators by the EU.
If the economic operator uses a Conex solution, there is no need to identify themselves on 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 DG Taxud be contacted with questions related to regulations?

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

Do all e-commerce flows require an ENS?
Should I be concerned about the Stop words list?

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

If my goods circulate with an ATA carnet, should I be concerned about ICS2?

No, this case is one of the exceptions.

Should data quality be given more attention?

Certainly, and increasingly so. Remember to define which EORI and HS codes will be declared, right from the transport booking phase.

Why ICS2 changes our working methods for all modes of transport

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

Is it necessary to organise to monitor risk analysis in real time?

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

What is the estimated time to prepare to become a filer?

The Conex solution allows for immediate Go-live, with no prerequisites. If the volumes of flows to manage require the implementation of the Conex API, consult our teams who will advise you on the most suitable automation for your context.

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