On 1 March 2023, all airfreight shipments into or via the countries in scope (EU27, Switzerland, Norway and Northern Ireland) will have to comply with new data filing requirements, based on which the involved states’ customs authorities will conduct a pre-loading and pre-arrival air cargo security risk assessment. Other modes of transport will have to comply in the course of 2024.
The security and safety programme will support effective risk-based customs controls whilst facilitating free flow of legitimate trade across the external borders. Data will be collected on all goods entering the mentioned countries in question prior to their arrival. Advance cargo information and risk analysis will enable early identification of threats and help customs authorities to intervene at the most appropriate point in the supply chain.
Kuehne+Nagel is currently setting up its IT systems and processes to comply with the new requirements of submitting the necessary data elements to the states’ customs authorities. In parallel, Kuehne+Nagel is enhancing its electronic data interchange (EDI) connections and interfaces for its customers enabling data automation and accuracy.
ICS2 will apply to all parties sending air cargo from third countries to or through the countries mentioned above. Ensuring a smooth cargo flow without interruption to the supply chain is a joint effort and requires your active participation.
How you will comply with the ICS2 requirements:
- As a company conducting customs activities in the European Union, you need an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number from one of the EU Member states’ customs authorities. Please ensure that you share this EORI number, if applicable, with your shipper/seller. For further information, please visit the website of the Finnish Customs.
- As a shipper/seller sending cargo to the countries in scope, please ensure you obtain the EORI number of your consignee. For Switzerland, Norway and Northern Ireland, where no EORI is available, the VAT registration number may be provided.
- Please include an accurate and meaningful goods description for each article of the consignment along with the corresponding Harmonized Commodity Code (HS Code, minimum first 6 digits)
The necessary information above should be provided to your freight forwarder in addition to the shipment details you already share as part of your commercial documents and/or EDI messaging today. Submitting incorrect or inaccurate data, as well as missing data elements, could lead to:
- Rejected declarations or customs intervention, with possible sanctions imposed for non-compliance
- Consignments stopped or delayed at customs
- Enhanced security screening
- Flight delays
Further information can be found on the website of the European Commission.
Should you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact your Kuehne+Nagel representative.
