Webinar on the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) in the European Union organized in cooperation between DG TAXUD and the PS IGC TRACECA

The event was organized for the interested participants along Transport Corridor Europe – the Caucasus – Asia (TRACECA) in cooperation between Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union of the European Commission (DG TAXUD) and the Permanent Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Commission TRACECA (PS IGC TRACECA).

The main objective of the webinar was to present changes in the procedure of entry of goods by rail and road into the EU that take effect on 1 April 2025, with the rolling out of the ICS2 Customs pre-arrival safety and security system. Participants were given the opportunity to learn more about the ICS2 system to avoid unnecessary disruptions at EU Customs due to new requirements for rail and road carriers to provide data on goods sent to the EU prior to their arrival.

The expert from the TAXUD-ICS2-Project team, Ms. Renata Pauliukaityte, elaborated on the ICS2 requirements for road and rail. Obligations for filing an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) prior to arrival on EU borders have been presented. Also, an information was provided on Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number that uniquely identify economic operators and other persons in Customs clearance procedures in the EU.

Along with this, the ICS2 IT system was presented with details on how to prepare to connect and use the system. It was noted that economic operators that are already registered with an EORI number by the Customs authorities of the several EU Member States can request a deployment window and postpone implementation from 1 April 2025 until 1 September 2025. Different options to connect to the ICS2 have been elaborated.

During discussion at the webinar, several issues on new requirements introduced with the ICS2 have been clarified. Several participants provided information on the status in preparation for the use of the system. Time needed for preparation to join the new system may not be sufficient due to some complexities, potential restrictions, and the large number of companies that will be affected by the changes.

The PS IGC TRACECA works on a regular basis in the field of harmonization and simplification of customs procedures and formalities along the TRACECA corridor by providing a platform to exchange experiences, discuss ideas, and enhance cooperation with various partnering organization in this field.