Cargoitalia first to submit ENS

Cargoitalia is the first airline in Italy to submit the new electronic Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) message – part of the new EU Customs ICS (Import Control System) regime being progressively introduced throughout all EU member states. The Italian all-cargo flag-carrier has been sending the ENS message for all inbound flights from 1 March – a full four months ahead of the Italian Customs deadline of July 1st. The airline must lodge the ENS for each flight at least four hours before touchdown at its Milan (Malpensa) hub.

Under the ICS regime, the carrier must ensure that all goods brought into the EU are covered by an ENS lodged with the customs office at first point of entry – regardless of whether the final destination is in the EU or beyond.

This customs office is responsible for risk assessment for all inbound shipments, and will take preventative action against any identified risk. Once the ENS is introduced, carriers which do not comply will be subject to heavy fines.

In early trials, Cargoitalia has already achieved 100% accuracy in ENS data transmission for its Hong Kong, Shanghai and US flights. Italian Customs has confirmed that no other airline is currently as advanced as Cargoitalia in its ENS preparations.

Cargoitalia managing director Giacomo Manzon said: “We have achieved this important milestone because of our obsessive attention to our business processes, and our desire always to be fully compliant with the latest regulations. Being ready for ENS so early means there will be no risk to our overall service quality from any last-minute problems. Our systems will already be 100% tested and proven long before the ENS message becomes compulsory.”

“Our handling agents in Milan, ALHA, have played a key role in our ENS preparations, and we are very grateful for their hard work and support.”