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Rasim Huseynov
Managing Editor of Seamless Trade and International Trade Consultant at Tevolution Ltd
In the realm of international trade, safety and security declarations are pivotal in safeguarding the movement of goods across borders. These declarations provide customs authorities with advance information about cargo, allowing for pre-arrival risk assessments to prevent illicit activities and ensure the security of supply chains. Over the years, the United Kingdom's approach to these declarations has evolved significantly, especially following its departure from the European Union (Brexit). With new regulatory changes on the horizon, such as the mandatory Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) for goods from the EU and the phased implementation of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2), businesses must stay informed to remain compliant.
Early Developments in Safety and Security Declarations
The emphasis on safety and security in international trade intensified after the events of September 11, 2001. In response, the European Union introduced the Union Customs Code (UCC) in 2006, which established the framework for safety and security declarations. This included the requirement for Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) and Exit Summary Declarations (EXS), ensuring that customs authorities received necessary cargo information before goods entered or exited the EU.
By 2011, submitting ENS for all goods entering the EU became mandatory, providing detailed information about shipments, including the nature of goods, origin, and parties involved. EXS were similarly required for goods exiting the EU, facilitating comprehensive risk assessments and enhancing security measures throughout the supply chain.
The Impact of Brexit on UK Customs Declarations
Following Brexit, the UK needed to establish its own customs procedures. Initially, many EU customs regulations were retained to minimise disruptions. The UK continued to use its version of the Import Control System (ICS) for processing ENS and EXS. However, as an independent customs territory, the UK began implementing changes to its safety and security declaration requirements.
One significant change was the introduction of mandatory ENS for goods moved from the EU to the UK, effective from 31st October 2024. This requirement ensures that customs authorities receive advance information on goods entering the UK from the EU, aligning with the protocols already in place for non-EU imports.
The Introduction of ICS2 and Its Phased Implementation
The Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is the EU's upgraded platform for managing safety and security declarations, aiming to enhance risk assessment capabilities and secure the EU's external borders. ICS2 is being implemented in phases, each targeting different modes of transport and types of filers. The chronological rollout is as follows:
Phase 1 (15 March 2021):
Applied to postal operators and express carriers handling air cargo and mail.
Required the submission of minimum data elements for pre-loading and complete ENS data for pre-arrival.
Phase 2 (1 March 2023):
Extended to air carriers, freight forwarders, and logistics providers involved in air transport.
Mandated the provision of complete ENS data for all goods transported by air into the EU.
Phase 3 (From 1 March 2024 onwards):
Maritime and Inland Waterway Carriers:
3 June 2023 – 4 December 2024: Maritime and inland waterway carriers begin complying with ICS2 requirements.
4 December 2024 – 1 April 2025: House-level filers (e.g., freight forwarders) for maritime and inland waterways must comply.
Road and Rail Carriers:
1 April 2025 – 1 September 2025: Road and rail carriers are required to comply with ICS2 requirements.
As of October 2024, ICS2 is in its final stages of implementation for maritime and inland waterways, with road and rail freight integration set to begin from 1 April 2025.
While the EU advances with ICS2, the UK operates its own Import Control System. Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) continues to use its existing ICS for processing ENS and EXS declarations. However, Northern Ireland, due to the Northern Ireland Protocol, aligns with certain EU customs regulations and will be impacted by ICS2 implementation.
This means that businesses transporting goods into Northern Ireland from outside the EU will need to comply with ICS2 requirements, while those dealing with Great Britain will continue to use the UK's ICS unless future changes are announced.
Tevolution Ltd: Supporting Businesses Through Regulatory Changes
As regulatory landscapes evolve, businesses must adapt to ensure compliance and avoid disruptions. Tevolution OÜ specialises in providing comprehensive ENS and EXS declaration services to and from the UK, with a focus on traffic between the UK and the EU. Tevolution OÜ is fully prepared to assist businesses in meeting the new ENS requirements effective from 31st October 2024 for goods entering the UK from the EU. Tevolution OÜ supports multilingual web site with interface on 12 European Languages with 24 hours a day and 7 days per week support.
Furthermore, with the upcoming implementation phases of ICS2, particularly the integration of road and rail carriers starting from 1 April 2025, Tevolution OÜ stands ready to support road transporters in navigating these new requirements. They offer expertise in handling ENS submissions under ICS2, ensuring that clients can seamlessly adapt to the evolving customs regulations when transporting goods into the EU or Northern Ireland.
Importance of Staying Informed and Prepared
The introduction of ICS2 represents a significant shift in how safety and security declarations are managed within the EU and, by extension, impacts businesses operating across UK-EU borders. Key features of ICS2 include:
Enhanced Data Requirements: More comprehensive and detailed data submissions for ENS, allowing for better risk assessments.
Earlier Data Submission: Data must be submitted earlier in the supply chain, necessitating adjustments in logistics planning.
Improved Risk Management: Advanced analytics and risk assessment tools improve the detection of high-risk consignments.
For businesses involved in international trade, understanding these changes and preparing accordingly is crucial. Non-compliance can lead to delays, penalties, and disruptions in the supply chain.
Safety and security declarations have evolved to address the increasing complexity and security needs of global trade. The UK's departure from the EU and the introduction of ICS2 mark significant milestones in this evolution. Businesses must stay abreast of these changes to ensure compliance and maintain efficient operations.
Tevolution OÜ is committed to supporting businesses through these transitions. With our specialised services in ENS and EXS declarations and our readiness to assist with ICS2 compliance, we provide the expertise necessary to navigate the changing customs landscape between the UK and the EU.
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