The European Union (EU) is strengthening safety and security at customs for its citizens through a large-scale cargo information system called Import Control System 2 (ICS2). As such, there is now additional safety and security information required on all air shipments prior to departure and arrival at customs in the EU, Norway, Switzerland and Northern Ireland.
The ICS2 supports effective risk-based customs controls while facilitating free flow of legitimate trade across the EU’s external borders. ICS2 will simplify the movement of goods between customs offices at the first point of entry and destination in the EU.
Shipping goods to the EU, Norway, Switzerland or Northern Ireland? What you need to know.
As of March 1, 2023, economic operators involved in handling, sending, shipping and transporting cargo, express or postal consignments to or via the EU, Norway or Switzerland by air must comply with new advance data reporting requirements for pre-loading and pre-arrival customs risk assessments. Economic operators include air carriers, freight forwarders, express courier services and postal operators.
The following information will be required when creating a shipment. This will help to ensure the smooth processing of your shipment and avoid potential delays or penalties.
- Detailed goods description
This is needed for each type of item being shipped:
- What is it?
- What is it made of?
- What is it intended for?
- Six-digit Harmonized System (HS) codes for every item listed on the commercial invoice
An HS code is an internationally standardized system of describing and classifying goods. It is used by customs authorities to identify items and apply the correct duties and taxes (or restrictions) to them. In some countries, HS codes are also known by other names. Tariff codes and commodity codes are two of the most common.
- Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number of your recipient
The recipient’s EORI number is required in the Recipient Tax ID field of your shipping application (if available) and on the commercial invoice. Ensure you have an EORI number from one of your EU Member State’s customs authorities.
They will help your business’ compliance, help reduce delays at customs, and ensure that the correct duties and taxes are applied when your goods are shipped across borders.
- Shipper name
- Shipper address
- Recipient name
- Recipient address
- Number of packages
- Gross weight
- Air waybill identifier (HAWB and/or MAWB)
How to find or apply for your EORI number
To apply for an Economic Operators Registration and Identification number (EORI number), you need the following information:
- Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) - Find Your UTR
- Business start date and Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code - these are in the Companies House register
- Government Gateway user ID and password. If you do not already have a Government Gateway user ID, you’ll be able to create one when you apply.
- VAT number and effective date of registration (if you’re VAT registered) - these are on your VAT registration certificate
- National Insurance number - if you’re an individual or a sole trader
Qosina is prepared for ICS2
At Qosina, we have prepared our internal systems and processes to accommodate this new information. Qosina customers are being asked to include their EORI number on all purchase orders going forward. This will help ensure business compliance, avoid potential delays at customs, and that the correct duties and taxes are applied when your goods are shipped across borders. Please note that this requirement will be extended to ocean shipments on March 1, 2024.
With Import Control System 2 (ICS2) – Release 2 now in effect, additional information is required on all air shipments prior to departure and arrival at customs in these countries. Learn more about Import Control System 2
