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ICS2

The European Union is implementing a new customs pre-arrival security and safety programme, underpinned by a large-scale advanced cargo information system – Import Control System 2 (ICS2). The implementation of this system at the end of 2024 impacts the information shared between A2B-online and customers. Questions? More information on this page! 

About ICS2

The pre-arrival security and safety programme will support effective risk-based customs controls whilst facilitating free flow of legitimate trade across the EU external borders. It represents the first line of defense in terms of protection of the EU internal market and the EU consumers. Advanced 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.

Impact ICS2

A2B-online will declare the required safety and security data through the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). The accuracy of the data is the responsibility of our booking customer. All information must be available in good time, including but not limited to: buyer, seller, consignor and consignee information, as well as detailed information on the HS codes and packaging labels of the cargo involved.

Read more about the information required

Implementation update

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Pieter Blom, General Manager Shipping & Terminals

"Sharing information will avoid delays in the future!"

ICS2 will support effective risk-based customs controls whilst facilitating free flow of legitimate trade across the EU external borders.

Timeline ICS2

The ICS2 implementation has to take place before December 4th 2024. A2B-online is currently preparing its system, portal and interfaces to comply with the new regulations. We will be providing our customers with more details on the implementation in the coming period. You are a customer of A2B-online? Please already inform your customers and/or IT department for the changes ahead!

Key dates
ICS1

Until 3 June 2024

Current practice in the Netherlands is unchanged;  the ENS is done via Import Control System 1 (ICS1).

From ICS1 to ICS2

3 June - 4 December 2024

ICS2 Release 3 goes live! A transition period of 6 months for maritime carriers to switch from Import Control System 1 (ICS1) to Import Control System 2 (ICS2).

ICS2

From 4 December 2024

From then on, declarations of entry according to Import Control System 2 (ICS2) are required to be.

Your question

Still unclear or questions? Please send your e-mail to ics2@a2b-online.com or use the contact form.