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 On 15 March 2021 the European Union will launch a new EU customs pre-arrival security and safety programme, supported by a large-scale information system called ICS2 (Import Control System 2). The programme will help establish an integrated EU approach to reinforce customs risk management framework. It is a core delivery of the Union Customs Code, the EU customs risk management strategy and action plan adopted by the Council in year 2014. It will support effective risk-based customs controls whilst facilitating free flow of legitimate trade across the EU external borders. It will do this through improved data-driven customs security processes, adapted to global business models. Its implementation is an essential EU customs instrument for managing entry security and safety border controls. It is the first line of defence in terms of protecting the internal market and EU citizens. The programme involves a complete overhaul and reform of the existing regime from IT, legal, customs risk management/controls and trade operational perspectives. As a result, the existing Import Control System (ICS), will be phased-out and replaced by the ICS2. As an advance cargo information system, ICS2 will collect data about all goods entering the EU prior to their arrival. Economic Operators will have to declare safety and security data to ICS2, through a so-called Entry Summary Declaration. The obligation to start filing such declarations will not be the same for all Economic Operators. It will depend on the type of services that they provide in the international movement of goods and is linked to the three release dates of ICS2 (15 March 2021, 1 March 2023, and 1 March 2024). All Economic Operators involved in handling, shipping and transporting of cargo, express or postal consignments will be affected by ICS2, and need to start getting ready for it. How? By adapting their business processes, taking steps to ensure high quality and precise data is provided, developing or updating their IT systems for exchange of information, and providing training and support to their staff. If the different Economic Operators are not ready in time and the necessary data has not been submitted to ICS2, consignments and cargo will be stopped at EU Customs borders, and customs will not proceed with goods clearance. It should also be noted that poor quality declarations will either be rejected or subject to unnecessary interventions, and may result in sanctions for non-compliance. |
Are you ready for ICS2?
Brexit
The United Kingdom left the European Union on 31 January 2020. Currently there is a Withdrawal Agreement in place which provides a window until 31st December 2020. The current period is known as a transition period.
This time-limited period was agreed as part of the Withdrawal Agreement and is currently planned to last until 31 December 2020. Until then, it will be business as usual for citizens, consumers, businesses, investors, students and researchers, for instance, in both the EU and the United Kingdom.
The EU and the United Kingdom will use these months to negotiate a new and fair partnership for the future, based on the Political Declaration agreed between the EU and the United Kingdom in October 2019.
2020 Combined Nomenclature Published
The 2020 Combined Nomenclature is published as European Commission Implementing Regulation No 2019/1776 of 31 October 2019.
The Combined Nomenclature – European commission
The basic regulation is Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff. An updated version of the Annex I to the Combined Nomenclature Regulation is published as a Commission Regulation every year in the L-series of the Official Journal of the European Communities (as well as on CD-ROM). Such updates take into account any changes that have been agreed at international level, either at the World Customs Organisation with regard to the nomenclature at HS level or within the framework of the WTO with regard to conventional rates of duty. Other changes may be required to reflect the evolution of, for example, commercial policy, technology or statistical requirements.
The Union Customs Code
The Union Customs Code was published in Regulation (EU) no 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 October 2013 laying down the Union Customs Code (Official Journal L 269 of 10.10.2013). This is available from the European Union website. The UCC entered into force on 1 May 2016.The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447 and The Commission Delegated Regulations (EU) 2015/2446 sets out the details as to the operation of the Union Customs Code. Please see the update in relation to Implementing Acts and Delegated Acts page.
UCC – Introduction
The Union Customs Code (UCC) is part of the modernisation of customs and serves as the new framework regulation on the rules and procedures for customs throughout the EU. Its substantive provisions enter into force on 1 May 2016.
Aim
Simplicity, service and speed are the key drivers of the UCC:
REACH Chemical Regulations
REACH Chemical Regulation Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction.
REACH is a new European Community Regulation on chemicals and their safe use and entered into force on 1 June 2007 and will take effect on 1 June 2008. The aim of REACH is to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment as well as the free movement of substances, on their own, in preparations and in articles, while enhancing competitiveness and innovation. REACH should also promote the development of alternative methods for the assessment of hazards of substances.