Import Control System 2 (ICS2)

As from 2023, all goods entering the European Union (EU), Norway and Switzerland must undergo an advance safety and security risk analysis via ICS2, the updated EU Customs entities electronic import system.

Based on information received from shippers, carriers must declare shipments transported by air to or through the EU, Norway and Switzerland for a pre-loading and pre-arrival risk assessment. This applies to all cargo, mail and express from countries outside the EU.

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, like any carrier, can only transport goods that have been cleared by EU Customs entities through this process. Goods without this clearance cannot be accepted for shipping to or through the EU, Norway and Switzerland until all actions as required by EU Customs entities are performed prior to acceptance. Therefore, your accurate data is required on time to prevent holding or delaying your shipments.

What is the Import Control System (ICS2)

ICS2 is a new and updated customs electronic import system. The system entails an automated entry process that requires a pre-acceptance and pre-arrival security risk assessment. ICS2 is the European Union´s Pre-Loading Advanced Cargo Information (PLACI) program and applies to all cargo, mail and express shipped to or through the EU.

For more detailed information about ICS2 please go to the website of the European Commission.

We need your DATA!

We file, based on carrier obligation, the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) to EU Customs entities. Therefore, it is necessary that all mandatory FWB/FHL data is submitted prior to acceptance. Shipments cannot be accepted at the station of origin if the FWB/FHL data does not comply with ICS2 regulations. Submitting all data accurately and on time will avoid eventual requests for information from EU Customs entities, causing delays in your shipments.

Below you can read more about the compulsory data that needs to be submitted for ICS2 compliance. Furthermore, it is mandatory to include these elements in your FWB/FHL data to avoid eventual rejects by EU Customs entities. AFKLMP Cargo provides a messaging guidance document for both FWB and FHL messages to help you as a customer to see how ICS2 data, such as the HS code and EORI number, should be transmitted.

HS code
A Harmonized System (HS) code is a numerical customs code that classifies products on a universal level. For filing to EU Customs entities, the first 6 digits of the HS code are mandatory.

A detailed list of European HS codes and/or more information about HS codes are found through the highlighted links. In addition, individual HS codes and/or products can be checked here.

EORI number
An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is an identification number that is required when exchanging information with EU Customs entities. The EORI number is mandatory when the consignee or agent that receives the shipment is based within the EU. Where necessary, also other persons may need an EORI number. Please check the website of the European Commission for more information.

Postal code
Please note that, except for countries without a postal code, it is mandatory that your FWB/FHL address data includes the postal codes. Click on this link to view the postal codes requirements for your shipment.

Telephone number
Make sure to use the right international format for your telephone number(s) in your FWB/FHL data. Check the standard ITU-T notation for international telephone numbers here.

e-AWB agreement

We would like to encourage all our customers to sign up for an “e-AWB-agreement” for smooth handling. Please refer to this page on our website for more relevant information, including the e-AWB agreement.

For technical questions related to the (ICS2) messaging conditions, please contact our e-Freight team via email: mail.efreight@airfrance.fr

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ICS2?

Who is impacted by ICS2?

ICS2 affects a wide range of parties involved in supply chain activities such as air carriers, postal operators, freight forwarders and express carriers.

Which mandatory ICS2 information needs to be transmitted in the FWB and where can I find guidance on how to submit these fields correctly?

We provide a messaging guidance document for both FWB and FHL messages to help you as a customer to see how mandatory ICS2 data, such as the HS code and EORI number, should be transmitted.

When should I provide my ICS2 data to AFKLMP Cargo?

We recommend submitting the ICS2 data as soon as possible to allow ample time for resolving discrepancies in the event of a potential referral from EU Customs entities. This proactive approach helps to avoid any potential delays in your shipment.

Can AFKLMP Cargo/the handling agent submit any missing ICS2 data for me?

No, in case any ICS2 data is missing AFKLMP Cargo/the handling agent cannot accept the shipment. Therefore, it is the customer's responsibility to ensure the provision of accurate and complete ICS2 data.

To which countries does ICS2 apply?

ICS2 applies to all cargo, mail and express shipped to or through the EU 27 member states, Norway and Switzerland.

Is ICS2 applicable to intra-European transport (E.g., Origin Madrid to Destination Paris)?

ICS2 is only applicable for shipments to and through the EU.

What are the possible response messages of EU Customs entities?

- Request for information
- Request for screening
- Hold (do not load)
- Do not hold

Does AFKLMP Cargo offer multiple filing?

We do not facilitate multiple filing.

What is an ENS?

An Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) is the electronic message that is used to inform EU Customs entities authorities about the intention to bring goods into the EU, using a prescribed form and following specific time limits. As soon as the FWB/FHL or XFWB/XFZB are received from customers, the information will be converted to an ENS message. Afterwards the ENS message will be sent by us to the EU Shared Trader Interface (STI).

Is the HS code mandatory?

The first 6 digits of the HS code is mandatory on the lowest level:
• In case of a direct AWB, it is on the AWB (XFWB/FWB level).
• In case of a consolidation, the HS code should be indicated on the MAWB and on each HAWB. On the MAWB it should be the HS code of the more prevalent goods (the HS code that allows to best identify goods transported).

What HS code should I submit when I am shipping official diplomatic mail and/or pouches?

HS code: 491110

What HS code needs to be used for consolidation shipments on the FWB?

Choose one of the HS code(s) from the FHL, preferably the most prevalent one.

What happens to my shipment when one HAWB of all the HAWB I provided has been rejected by EU Customs?

We will have to hold your entire shipment when one HAWB of all the HAWB has been rejected by EU Customs entities. We can only proceed when all actions as required by EU Customs entities are performed.

Is the EORI number mandatory?

The EORI number is only mandatory for consignees within the EU and needs to be provided on the FWB/FHL.

Will AFKLMP Cargo support C-IMP and C-XML message in the scope of ICS2?

Yes, we support FHL/FWB in C-IMP or C-XML format and will convert the information into an ENS message format as required by the EU Commission.

What are the lowest versions of FWB/FHL that AFKLMP Cargo supports?

The lowest FWB version supported by us is version 16, while the lowest FHL version supported by us is version 4.

Please note this is not a comprehensive overview of laws and regulations that may apply to air transport. Air France KLM Martinair Cargo cannot be held responsible for the correctness, nor completeness, of the information provided.