ICS2 is an advanced cargo information requirement, which goes into effect March 1, 2023, wherein data on all goods imported into the European Union, Switzerland, and Norway (as well as goods transiting through these countries) must be filed with EU customs before cargo can be loaded on planes.

Regardless of cargo value, shippers must electronically provide a detailed description of goods per commodity, as well as the respective Harmonized System code, prior to shipment. Freight forwarders (like AIT) are further required to provide shipment details pertaining to packaging, type of person, and payment terms in the electronic messages of the master and house air waybills.

Customs will then review the information submitted and, if appropriate, provide approval for cargo to depart origin. Cargo cannot depart until customs provides approval.

No, there is no minimum value threshold for submission. Every shipment destined for or transiting through participating countries must be submitted.

ICS2 will become effective on March 1, 2023, for all air cargo. However, the house air waybill requirement has been extended to July 1, 2023.

The new requirements will apply to ocean, road, and rail cargo effective March 1, 2024.

ICS2 must be filed for cargo destined to the European Union, Switzerland, and Norway, or transiting through these countries.

Under ICS2, shippers must provide the following cargo information:

• Parties (Carrier; Consignor/Shipper; Consignee; Additional Supply Chain Actors)
  • Name
  • Identification Number (EORI Number)
  • Type of Person/Organization
  • Complete Address
• Goods
  • Six-digit Harmonized System Code
  • Commodity Description
  • Weight
  • Packaging
  • Whether a commodity is considered dangerous goods 
• Locations/Transport
  • Mode of Transport
  • Estimated Date and Time of Departure
  • Actual Date and Time of Departure
  • Estimated Date and Time of Arrival
  • Countries of routing of means of transport
  • Place of Acceptance
  • Place of Delivery
  • Place of Loading
  • Place of Unloading

Among industry classification systems, six-digit Harmonized System (HS) Codes are commonly used throughout the export process for goods. It is used by customs authorities around the world to identify products when assessing duties and taxes and for gathering statistics. The HS Code does not differ based on country. Learn more at trade.gov.

An Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number is required for importers in the European Union.

• Verify EORI numbers at Economic Operator Identification and Registration (europa.eu)
• Obtain an EORI number at National customs administrations (europa.eu)

In Switzerland and Norway where EORI is not commonly used, the local tax ID can be used for filing ICS2. For example, in Switzerland the UID can be used for filings.

No, as Switzerland and Norway are contracting parties under the ICS2 Agreement, ICS2 filing will not be required when transporting between Switzerland, Norway, and EU member countries.

No, where EORI numbers are not commonly used, including Switzerland and Norway, a local tax ID can be used for filing ICS2. For example, the Unternehmens-Identifikationsnummer (or “UID number”) in Switzerland.

Parties located in the EU that are assisting with the transit through the EU and listed on the Master or House Airwaybill are required to maintain an EORI. For example European Union, EORI numbers will have to be provided for EU-based notify parties and involved EU-based freight forwarders.

• Import Control System 2 (European Commission)
• Economic Operators Registration and Identification number (EORI) (europa.eu)