The EU import control system is undergoing the next stage of implementation from June 3, 2024, according to which the obligations of participants to provide preliminary information on imported goods and the timing of its implementation in 2024 and 2025 are clarified.

The EU's Import control system (ICS2) will collect data on all goods entering the EU before they arrive. Economic operators will be required to declare customs safety and security data to ICS2 through the Entry Summary Declaration.

Economic operators include Postal Operators, Express Carriers, Third-Country Postal Operators, Freight Forwarding and Logistic Providers, Air Carriers, Maritime, Rail, and Road Carriers, Businesses receiving goods in EU (consignees, importers).

The obligation to begin filing such declarations will depend on the type of services they provide in the international movement of goods and relates to dates:

• June 3, 2024: sea and inland water carriers,
• December 4, 2024: maritime and inland waterways house level filers,
• April 1, 2025: road and rail carriers.

ICS2 introduces additional capabilities that aim to:

• Increased customs security of the EU market,
• Support for proportionate, targeted customs measures at external borders in crisis response scenarios,
• Facilitating cross-border clearance for legitimate trade,
• Facilitate the exchange of information between economic operators and EU customs authorities.