Deadline looms to ensure Advance Electronic Data is ready for ICS2 Second Release
Postal operators and carriers have just weeks to ensure they are ready for the implementation of the Import Control System 2 [ICS2] second release.
As of March 1, 2023, there will be a mandatory requirement for new electronic data sets including complete and accurate product descriptions and HS6 codes.
Some organisations including Lufthansa Cargo are requiring customers to “provide the mandatory data for the ICS2 reporting as of January 1st 2023 so we can ensure an effortless introduction of the regulation.”
ICS2 second release requires all postal operators, carriers, freight forwarders and express couriers involved in handling, sending, shipping and transporting cargo, express or postal consignments to or via the EU by air to comply with the new advance data reporting requirements for pre-loading and pre-arrival customs risk assessments.
By collecting data about all goods entering the EU prior to their loading and arrival, 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 final destination in the EU. For economic operators, ICS2 will streamline requests for additional information and pre-departure risk screening by customs authorities.
The European Commission has stated: “Economic operators are strongly advised to prepare in advance for Release 2, in order to avoid the risk of delays and non-compliance.”
Hurricane Commerce, a specialist in the provision of cross-border data to enable seamless e-commerce trade, is supporting many posts and carriers in ensuring their data is ready for the second release.
Rob Dundas, Business Development Director for Hurricane Commerce, said: “There is now just a matter of weeks for posts, carriers and others involved in transporting goods to and via the EU to ensure their Advance Electronic Data is compliant with ICS2 second release.
“Among the requirements is the need for complete and accurate product descriptions and HS6 codes.
“While the implementation takes effect from March 1 next year, for many organisations including Lufthansa Cargo, there is an expectation that data sets will be fully in order by January.”
Hurricane’s data enhancement solution Zephyr ensures that shipments have the right data – including HS6 codes, product descriptions and 8- and 10- digit import and export codes – to pass smoothly through customs. The company’s Aura solution covers the critical cross-border areas of duty and tax calculation, prohibited and restricted goods screening and denied parties screening.
Hurricane’s customers include Emirates Post, Royal Mail, An Post, Australia Post, SEKO, EVRi and HongKong Post.
