ICS

The Import Control System(ICS) is a trans-European customs system that has been operating in the EU (and in our country) since 2011. It was created to implement the safety and security legislation introduced by amending regulations to the previous Community Customs Code and its implementing provisions [2913/92 and 2454/93 respectively].  It was developed in the context of measures to address the challenges posed by the terrorist acts that occurred in the previous period [ 9/11/2001], in the customs domain.

The main changes introduced by its operation are (a) the requirement to submit electronic  information  in advance and before the arrival of the goods in the EU and for seagoing maritime containerized cargo at least 24 hours before containers are loaded onto the ship (in the form of the so-called entry summary declaration - ENS), (b) the Authorised Economic Operators Programme (AEO),  (c) the common risk management framework and targeted controls at the borders of the customs territory of the EU, based on common risk analysis criteria (CRCs).  It allows customs authorities to better identify high-risk shipments and intervene at the most appropriate point and time in the supply chain. 

Its operation requires economic operators to submit electronic safety and security data(Entry Summary Declaration – ENS) in advance before goods arrive in the EU. For ocean-going maritime freight, these data should be submitted at least 24 hours before the containers are loaded onto the ship. At the same time, the Authorised Economic Operators Programme (AEO) and a common risk management framework based on Common Risk Analysis Criteria (CRCs) are established. better identify high-risk shipments and intervene at the most appropriate point in the supply chain. 

However, its implementation identified significant drawbacks, in particular as regards the quality of the data and their timely availability at the time of submission. These shortcomings led to a revision of the procedure with the new UCC Union Customs Code and its implementing and delegated acts.  With the new UCC safety and security legislative framework, ICS is replaced with the new ICS2 IT system, which is gradually being put into operation in three releases.
 

The new ICS2

The new trans-European ICS2 system aims to meet the needs and achieve the objectives of the "strategy and action for customs risk management" adopted by the EU in 2014.
ICS2 implements a completely reformed customs procedure incorporating the EU security and safety requirements of the legislative package of the New Customs Code (applicable from 1 May 2016).
 

What's changing with ICS2;

The processes supported by ICS are also completely reformed. More specifically:

• More quality and reliable data (e.g. buyer and seller details) is collected before arrival and before loading.
• Data is collected for all goods entering the EU (exemptions for e.g. postal and low-value express courier items were abolished).
• In addition to the carrier, data is collected from all economic operators involved in the supply chain (e.g. freight forwarders and logistics operators, courier service providers, postal service providers, importers, ultimate consignees) who can submit partial information (master and House transport contract levels).
• A "common repository" is established for the registration/consolidation of partial data submissions as well as the exchange of information, the results of risk analysis, recommendations, and control results, for countries implementing ICS2.  The repository is accessible to all ICS2 countries and cooperation, and transparency are enhanced.
• Economic operators are provided with a 'shared trader interface' (STI) or 'harmonized trader interface' (HTI) that enhances their equal treatment by customs at EU level. 
• In air transport, the obligation to submit and analyse risks based on a minimum set of pre-loading information (PLACI) is introduced, and complementary measures are implemented (e.g. referrals, HRCM control and the "DO NOT LOAD -" message).
• In addition to the notification of arrival of the means of transport, the notification of presentation of the goods also applies.
• The cancellation of the entry summary declaration shall also apply.