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Comply with customs security requirements for the EU, Switzerland and Norway

Provide advance cargo data for risk assessment to avoid delays and interventions on air shipments.

Understanding the purpose of ICS2

Effective March 2023, the security and safety program enhances risk-based customs controls and ensures the smooth flow of legitimate trade across external borders.

Data on all incoming goods is collected before arrival in the specified countries. By using advance cargo information and risk analysis, customs authorities identify threats early and intervene at the most strategic points in the supply chain.

Air cargo clearance with ICS2 compliance

Ensure seamless air freight shipments to the EU, Switzerland, and Norway by providing advance cargo data for security risk assessment.

Comply with the ICS2 requirements to avoid delays and interventions on your shipments.

Benefit from early risk clearance and smooth operations by submitting the necessary data elements directly to customs authorities

Receive security risk clearance early in the process, preventing potential holdups once your cargo is handed over to the airlines.

Kuehne+Nagel’s systems and processes ensure compliance with ICS2 for automated and accurate data exchange.

To comply with ICS2 requirements, you need to provide:

  • Your Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number from an EU member state’s customs authority, if applicable.

  • Accurate and meaningful goods descriptions for each article in the consignment.

  • Corresponding Harmonized Commodity Codes (HS Codes) for the goods, with a minimum of the first 6 digits.

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FAQs about ICS2

Yes, even though Northern Ireland is part of the UK, it is in scope of ICS2/PLACI. Due to having a land border with the EU and because of the Northern Ireland protocol following Brexit, Northern Ireland is also part of the programme.

Yes, every single HS code and item description for all items that are part of a shipment have to be transmitted with the ICS2/PLACI filing.

The EU minimum requirement is the first six digits (unique globally). We use the HS codes provided by the shipper for filing. The import office adjusts to the local requirements for import clearance. However, for ICS2/PLACI filing, the HS codes provided by the shipper are used.

The requirement is that the description of the goods is in plain language and precise enough for customs to identify the goods.

An EORI number is only required if available. When a consignee is performing customs activities in the EU, can they request an EORI number from one of the member states’ customs authorities? If an EORI exists, it must be submitted. For transit- and trans-shipments, no consignee EORI is required.

For B2B, the consignee will have one EORI. For B2C, the rule is if the consignee receives more than five shipments per year, they will also need to register for an EORI.

Kuehne+Nagel can receive and submit 9999 HS code lines with item descriptions.

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Compliance

Stay on top of ICS2 regulations to avoid delays and sanctions

Submitting incorrect/inaccurate data or omitting data elements could lead to flight delays, added security screening and stoppage at customs.

By following all requirements, you can prevent rejected declarations or customs intervention as well as possible sanctions imposed for non-compliance.

Kuehne+Nagel’s IT systems and processes support customs security measures

Because we are set up for ICS2, you benefit from receiving the security risk clearance early in the process. We continue to enhance interfaces to allow for more data automation and accuracy.

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