Introduction to ICS2 for Northern Ireland

Introduction to ICS2 for Northern Ireland | What UK Businesses Must Know

The Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is the new Safety and Security declaration system being introduced for goods entering Northern Ireland. Its purpose is to create a more integrated and effective approach to customs risk management across the European Union, including movements into Northern Ireland.

ICS2 is being rolled out in three phases, with each release affecting different Economic Operators and modes of transport. Businesses will be required to submit declarations to ICS2 depending on the services they provide and how goods are transported.

What Is ICS2?

ICS2 is an EU-wide system designed to improve the safety and security of the international supply chain. It enables customs authorities to carry out enhanced risk analysis on goods before they arrive in the EU or Northern Ireland.

Once ICS2 is fully implemented, it will replace the current Import Control System – Northern Ireland (ICS NI) for all goods imported into Northern Ireland from Great Britain and the rest of the world.

The Three ICS2 Releases Explained

ICS2 Release 1 – Now Live

ICS2 Release 1 is already in operation and applies to:

  • Air Express Carriers
  • Postal Operators moving consignments by air

This release introduced the requirement to submit Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) into ICS2 via the Shared Trader Interface (STI).

ICS2 Release 2 – Air Cargo (Expected Go-Live: 1 March 2023)

ICS2 Release 2 builds on the PLACI requirements and introduces full Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) for all air cargo movements.

Economic Operators will be required to submit:

  • Pre-arrival Entry Summary Declarations
  • Notification of the arrival of the active means of transport at the EU border
  • Notification of Presentation of Goods

This release impacts all Air Express Carriers, Air Postal Operators, and Air Carriers transporting goods into the European Union, including movements via Northern Ireland.

ICS2 Release 3 – Rail, Road and Maritime (Expected Go-Live: 1 March 2024)

ICS2 Release 3 is the final phase of the rollout and will bring into scope Economic Operators moving goods via:

  • Road
  • Rail
  • Maritime transport

Further guidance and communications will be issued as the implementation date approaches.

How ICS2 Works

ICS2 operates through a combination of central EU systems and national components.

Core ICS2 Components

  • Shared Trader Interface (STI):
    A central EU platform that allows traders and carriers to submit declarations.
  • Common Repository:
    A central system that distributes data to relevant customs authorities so that risk assessments can be carried out.

National Presentation System

In addition to the central components, a National Presentation System is being developed to manage Notifications of Presentation of Goods and respond to risk assessment outcomes.

Once a risk assessment is complete, the customs authority sends the result back via the Common Repository. Relevant information is then shared with traders through the Shared Trader Interface.

For Northern Ireland, HMRC will provide an Application Programming Interface (API) connection to allow traders to submit these notifications.

Preparing for ICS2 Compliance

Economic Operators responsible for submitting Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information, Pre-Arrival Declarations, and Notifications of Arrival must do so via the Shared Trader Interface.

To prepare, businesses should:

  • Ensure they have compatible software to connect to the Shared Trader Interface
  • Register through Uniform User Management (UUM) by contacting HMRC to request the appropriate profile
  • Review the technical specifications available on the EU CIRCABC website

Submitting Presentation Notifications

Organisations responsible for submitting Notifications of Presentation of Goods will do so via an API directly connected to the HMRC ICS2 system.

Technical specifications for these messages are available through the HMRC Developers Hub, allowing businesses and software providers to prepare in advance.

Where to Find Further Guidance

Additional information about ICS2 is available in HMRC’s Safety and Security Requirements for Imports and Exports guidance.

If your organisation may be impacted by ICS2 Release 2, or if you have any queries, HMRC can be contacted at:
importexporttransit@hmrc.gov.uk

For businesses affected by ICS2 Release 3, further communications and detailed guidance will be issued as more information becomes available.