With ICS2 and the French ELO coming very soon our development team answer some of the main questions about what they are and how Harbour Shipping can help our existing and new clients to be compliant. 

How can Harbour Shipping ensure my shipments comply with the new ICS2 regulations?

In at least 3 ways:

1. First, Harbour has over 40 years experience of ensuring the highest standards of compliance to UK and EU regulations for freight shipments for our clients.
2. Second, we’ve already been compliant with ICS1 regulations for over 4.5 years since they were introduced on 1^st January 2021. This has ensured our clients meet the standards, whereas French authorities say two-thirds of shipments currently do not.
3. Third, we have already been testing and training our staff on the right software programs to be compliant with ICS2. So we’re ready to complete these declarations on behalf of our clients.

What are ICS1 and ICS2?

ICS1 - The European Union introduced its Import Control System (ICS1) back on 1^st January 2021. Since then all consignments in the EU should have had a Safety and Security Declaration presented upon arrival in the EU by means of the digital ICS1 system.

Since ICS1 began, Harbour Shipping has been representing many clients and completing these declarations on their behalf, so our clients have been compliant. However we know from French authorities that – worryingly – at least two-thirds of shipments have been arriving in the EU without declarations, and are therefore officially non-compliant.  

ICS2 – EU Customs authorities are currently phasing out ICS1 and they will replace it with ICS2 starting from 1^st September 2025. From that date EU Customs will begin to enforce the mandatory requirement for shipments to have Safety & Security Declarations across all modes of transport (air, maritime, road and rail) in accordance with the Union Customs Code.

What shipments does ICS2 apply to and are there any exemptions?

ICS2 will be applicable to all loaded vehicles, so if you are carrying a commercial consignment, a household removal or goods covered by ATA Carnet then you will be affected by these changes. The only real exemption will be for empty vehicles.

What extra requirements are there for ICS2 compared to ICS1?

Here at Harbour Shipping we have tested new software allowing us to be compliant with the changes to ICS2, so we are ready to complete these on your behalf. What we have noticed that particularly impacts us and our clients is the increased data set that we will need to send to EU Customs. We have identified that much of the extra data – now mandatory - is not contained within standard commercial invoices and so needs to be advised separately.

• If you have previously been making declarations using ICS1 they you will need to include a further twenty (20) additional data fields on future declarations.
• If you have not been making declarations before, now you will need to either empower a broker such as Harbour Shipping or obtain software and train your staff accordingly.

What is the difference between ICS2 and the French ELO?

The ELO (Obligatory Logistics Envelope) is a new French customs document. If your goods are arriving into the EU in France the carrier will be required to upload the ICS2 declarations into the ELO alongside their other Customs documents. The ELO will be introduced with effect from 1^st September, concurrently with the EU-wide ICS2, for all consignments arriving into or departing the EU through France. Carriers will have to upload all their Customs documents into the ELO. Ferry and train operators will no longer scan individual documents.

How can Harbour Shipping help you and your carrier?

• Completing compliant documents, 24/7
• Dedicated account management
• Providing peace of mind that your shipments have been declared and won’t be delayed

Further assistance and support

If you need assistance with the new process then Harbour Shipping is the only call you need to make. Please phone George Bowen directly on 01304 200907 or email [email protected]