ICS2

What it means

ICS2 is the EU Import Control System, under which carriers, couriers and others must submit safety and security data about a shipment electronically before it arrives in the EU. This is the entry summary declaration, with details of the consignor, consignee, goods description and route.

Customs use these data to assess risks such as dangerous goods or suspected smuggling and, in air transport, can stop a shipment even before it is loaded onto the aircraft. The system was rolled out in phases for postal, air, sea, road and rail transport.

ICS2 is not the customs clearance that releases the goods but a security check before it. It also covers low-value consignments from e-commerce, where the quality of goods data from third-country sellers has become an important issue.

How it works in practice

For Slovak importers, it matters that suppliers and carriers provide accurate data. A vague description such as gift or spare parts is not enough and can cause delays, so descriptions should be specific and match the commercial invoice.

The carrier, such as an airline or shipping line, is mainly responsible for submitting the data, but for some shipments forwarders or couriers must add data too. Companies that import regularly can have this handled by a customs representative or freight forwarder.

Authorised economic operator status can bring simplifications in security checks and fewer physical inspections. Importers with high shipment volumes may therefore want to consider obtaining it.

What to watch out for

Incomplete or inaccurate data can mean a shipment is not loaded or gets stuck at the border, which causes losses for time-sensitive goods. Repeated errors can lead to sanctions against the carrier, which may pass them on to the shipper.

ICS2 does not replace the customs declaration or the payment of duty and VAT on import. Businesses should not assume everything is done once a shipment passes the security check; other formalities for release into free circulation still apply.