What is ICS2?
ICS2 is the new & updated version of the EU ‘Import Control System’. It is designed to improve safety and security in EU territories by providing the EU with additional information for risk assessment at the border.
From 24th November, hauliers travelling on a North Sea ferry route from the UK will need to provide additional data to the ferry operator when booking a crossing.
Which routes will this impact?
North Sea ferry routes including -
- Felixstowe - Rotterdam Vlaardingen
- Harwich - Hook of Holland
- Harwich - Rotterdam (Europoort)
- Hull - Rotterdam (Europoort)
- Hull - Zeebrugge
- Immingham - Bergen
- Immingham - Brevik
- Immingham - Fredrikstad
- Immingham - Cuxhaven
- Immingham - Esbjerg
- Immingham - Gothenburg
- Immingham - Haugesund
- Immingham - Tananger
- Immingham - Rotterdam (Europoort)
- Immingham - Rotterdam Vlaardingen
- Immingham - Zeebrugge
- Killingholme - Hook of Holland
- Newcastle - Ijmuiden
- Tilbury - Rotterdam (Europoort)
- Tilbury - Zeebrugge
- Sheerness - Antwerp
- Sheerness - Zeebrugge
- Teesport - Zeebrugge
While DFDS, Stena Line, P&O Ferries and CLdN are the main North Sea operators, there are some additional smaller routes which may also be affected.
The ICS2 Rollout
ICS2 will be rolled out in a phased approach -
- Maritime carriers (North Sea operators) are required to connect with ICS2 between 3 Jun and 4 Dec 2024.
However, we have received information that DFDS, Stena Line and other major North Sea operators will be connecting with ICS2 from the 24th of November 2024
- All other routes (ferry operators & hauliers) must connect from 1st April 2025
What are the current ICS requirements?
- Vehicle/trailer information
- Route details
- Journey date and time
- IMO (for IE or if unaccompanied)
- Consignee & Consignor details
- Description of goods / 4 digit commodity code
- Package information
What additional information is required for ICS2?
- Place of Acceptance (Collection) - city & country
- Place of Delivery - city & country
- EU Buyer address & EORI number
- Seller address
- 6 digit commodity code
- Countries of routing (if applicable)
The requirements of the current ICS system will still be mandatory.
Why is it important?
It is important that your declaration is accurate and provided on time to prevent delays and possible fines.
You are responsible for remaining customs compliant. Hauliers/carriers who fail to submit their ENS to ICS2 before the goods arrive at the port may be denied entry into the EU.
At Reload, we know just how complex and difficult customs can seem. But that’s what we’re here for.
Our customs solution
The new data requirements will result in businesses devoting additional time and resources to complete their EU ENS declarations. This extra time can quickly add up, especially with multiple and regular EU imports.
But that’s where we come in. As a leading UK customs broker, our experts can help you streamline your customs processes whilst also helping you to remain compliant - saving your business both time and money. Get in touch with us today for industry-leading transport & customs support.