If you are involved in importing or exporting goods to or from the EU, you may have heard of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2), a new EU-wide IT system that collects and processes data on all goods entering the EU customs territory. ICS2 is being implemented in three phases, with the first two already in operation since 2021. The third and final phase, known as Release 3, will go live on 3 June 2024 and will introduce new requirements for all goods transported by sea, inland waterways, road and rail.

In this blog post, we will explain what ICS2 Release 3 is, why it is important, and how it will affect your business.

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READ MORE: How ICS2 is Bringing Complexity to the Flow of Goods in the EU
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What is ICS2 Release 3?

ICS2 Release 3 is the third and final phase of the implementation of the Import Control System 2, which is part of the EU’s customs pre-arrival safety and security programme. The main objective of ICS2 is to enhance the security and safety of the EU’s external borders, by collecting and analysing data on all goods entering or leaving the EU before their arrival or departure. This allows the customs authorities to identify and target high-risk goods and facilitate the legitimate trade of low-risk goods.

ICS2 Release 3 will extend the scope of ICS2 to cover all goods transported by sea, inland waterways, road and rail, including postal and express consignments. This means that all economic operators involved in these modes of transport, such as carriers, freight forwarders, logistics providers, postal operators, express couriers, e-commerce businesses, and final consignees, will have to submit a complete Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) dataset to ICS2 for each consignment of goods they transport or receive. The ENS is a set of data elements that provides information on the goods, the parties involved, the transport details, and the customs procedures. The ENS data must be submitted electronically to ICS2 before the goods arrive at the EU border, within the prescribed time limits, which vary depending on the mode of transport. The ENS data will be processed by ICS2 and assigned a risk analysis result, which will indicate whether the goods can proceed to their destination or need to undergo further controls.

Why is ICS2 Release 3 important?

ICS2 Release 3 is important for several reasons. First, it will improve the security and safety of the EU’s external borders, by enabling the customs authorities to detect and prevent the entry of illicit goods, such as weapons, explosives, drugs, counterfeit products, or endangered species. This will protect the health and well-being of the EU citizens, as well as the environment and the economy. Second, it will facilitate the legitimate trade of low-risk goods, by reducing the administrative burden and compliance costs for the economic operators, and by speeding up the customs clearance and delivery of the goods. This will enhance the competitiveness and efficiency of the EU’s internal market and trade with third countries. Third, it will harmonize and modernize the EU’s customs pre-arrival safety and security system, by replacing the existing national systems with a single, centralized, and standardized IT system. This will ensure a consistent and uniform application of the EU’s customs rules and regulations across all member states and modes of transport.

How will ICS2 Release 3 affect your business?

ICS2 Release 3 will affect your business if you are involved in importing or exporting goods to or from the EU by sea, inland waterways, road or rail, or if you are a postal or express operator or an e-commerce business that sells goods to the EU customers. Depending on your role and activity, you may have to submit ENS data to ICS2 receive ENS data from other parties, or both. You may also have to update your IT systems and business processes and provide adequate training to your staff, to comply with the new ICS2 requirements. Additionally, you may have to run the mandatory self-conformance testing before you start operating with ICS2. For more information on how to prepare for ICS2 Release 3, please refer to the technical factsheet and the self-conformance testing organisation document.

How MyDutyCollect Can Help You with ICS2 and Other Customs Compliance Requirements

If you are looking for a reliable and efficient partner to help you with ICS2 and other cross-border customs compliance requirements, look no further than MyDutyCollect. MyDutyCollect is a leading provider of customs solutions for businesses of all sizes and sectors, operating in the EU and beyond. With MyDutyCollect, you can:

• Easily submit your ENS data to ICS2, and receive your risk analysis results and customs clearance notifications, through our user-friendly online platform or API integration.
• Benefit from our expert guidance and support on how to comply with the ICS2 requirements, as well as the latest VAT, duty, and tariff updates in the EU and other countries.
• Save time and money by outsourcing your customs declarations, payments, and audits to our team of experienced and certified customs agents.
• Access our network of trusted and accredited logistics partners, who can handle your shipments and deliveries with speed and security.

Don’t let the ICS2 Release 3 or other customs challenges slow you down or hold you back. Contact us today and discover how MyDutyCollect can help you streamline your customs processes and grow your business.

ICS2 Release 3 is a major change in the EU’s customs pre-arrival safety and security system, which will affect all economic operators involved in importing or exporting goods to or from the EU by sea, inland waterways, road and rail. It will bring significant benefits for the security and safety of the EU’s external borders, as well as for the facilitation and simplification of the legitimate trade of low-risk goods. However, it will also require some adjustments and preparations from the businesses, to ensure a smooth and successful transition to the new system. If you need any assistance or guidance on how to comply with ICS2 Release 3, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you with all your customs needs.

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