FIATA and Global Shippers Forum call for Enhancing Data Quality and Information Exchange for EU ICS2 Requirements

GENEVA : Shippers and forwarding organisations are calling for enhanced data quality and information exchange globally to facilitate the effective implementation of regulatory changes brought by the European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) regime, which will take effect for sea, road, and rail transportation in 2024 and 2025. The guidance will also be relevant for other emerging pre-loading advance cargo information (PLACI) regimes around the world.

FIATA, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations, and the Global Shippers Forum (GSF) have jointly issued an agreed “Guidance Note on Enhancing Data Quality and Information Exchange for the EU ICS2 Regime”, which underscores the crucial role of collaboration between shippers and freight forwarders in submitting high-quality data throughout the supply chain to ensure compliance with PLACI requirements in an efficient and timely manner.

Key considerations to note are that:

•   ICS2 will now cover all shipments entering or transiting the EU by sea, road, and rail transport, with air transport requirements already fully implemented in 2023.

•  Shippers and forwarders exporting to the EU Customs Territory are now responsible for providing more detailed information about each consignment.

•  Information must be presented to the carrier, the import agent, or an authorised freight forwarder, or submitted directly to the ICS2 system by a specified time before the goods are loaded or arrive at the EU border (depending on the mode of transport and type of journey).

•   Failure to provide the required information, in the right level of detail and by the specified deadline, may result in delays and enforcement actions by EU authorities.

This document specifically addresses shippers, consignors, and freight forwarders involved in goods entering or transiting the EU Customs Territory by air, sea (from June 2024), or road and rail transport (from April 2025). FIATA and GSF emphasise the significance of data quality, accurate goods descriptions, and Harmonised Commodity Codes (HS Codes). 

The Guidance Note also provides practical Checklists for the submission of essential information for the EU ICS2 for shippers and freight forwarders.

FIATA continues to support its members and invites you to review the attached Guidance Note and ensure your organisations are well-prepared for these upcoming changes. Compliance with the ICS2 requirements is essential to prevent delays and potential enforcement actions by EU customs authorities.