Addendum to previous communication on ICS2 (Import Control System 2) Requirements
In line with the European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2), all cargo entering or transiting through the EU must comply with customs regulations. This applies to shipments discharging in the EU, as well as transshipments via European ports (e.g., Algeciras, Valencia, Rotterdam, etc.).
To ensure smooth customs clearance and avoid disruptions, please note the following mandatory data requirements. This is a clarified update correcting our June 19 news, and the required information must be submitted at the time of Shipping Instruction (SI) submission.
Mandatory for cargo destined to the EU.
Seller and Buyer Information:
- Shipper/Consignee might differ from Seller/Buyer. If the same, state this clearly in the Shipping Instruction.
- Not required for cargo transshipping via EU ports or FROB, unless a forwarder is listed - then House B/L data must be provided.
- EORI Number / Full Identification:
- Required for EU-based Consignee and Notify Parties.
- Provide valid EORI or full legal name and address if no EORI.
- Not required for non-EU parties.
One of the following must be submitted:
- House Bill of Lading (for NVOCC/Freight Forwarders),
- EORI of Supplementary Declarant/Self-Filer, or
- MRN (Movement Reference Number) - not interchangeable with EORI.
- Failure to provide at least one of these will result in container shut-out at origin, with all associated costs borne by the customer.
Goods Description:
-
Must follow EU standards. Vague terms (e.g., “parts,” “samples,” “electronics”) are unacceptable and may lead to rejection. You can find guidance on acceptable and unacceptable terms for the description of goods here .
- In accordance with EU regulations, all mandatory and customs-relevant data must be submitted no later than 24 hours prior to loading at the non EU port of loading; this requirement primarily applies to deep sea shipments.
- While a 48-hour submission window may be applied locally for shipments departing from the RME region, EU regulations require that all customs-relevant data must be finalized and submitted at least 24 hours before the vessel's ETA at the first port of entry within the European Union.
- Shut out of containers at origin if mandatory data is not received in time costs will be charged to customers.
- Rejection by EU customs, resulting in delays, penalties, or container hold at transshipment ports.
- Misdeclaration or Missing declaration will lead to customs penalties and fines.
- Additional cost for amendments, re-manifesting, or customs fines may apply.
- Submit shipping instructions well in advance with all the information (Preferably use Hapag-Lloyd website to fill all the required information in the dedicated fields provided).
- If acting as a supplementary declarant/self-filer, ensure coordination with Hapag-Lloyd.
- Please make sure to validate the EORI number in the EU portal here (EORI number validation) to avoid misdeclaration and penalties later.
Should you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your local Hapag-Lloyd representative.