Associations representing shippers, shippers and maritime operators have urged all companies that are involved in shipments of goods to or through the Union Norway, Switzerland or Northern Ireland to prepare the implementation of the third phase of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2), the Import Goods Control System in these territories that was introduced to reduce the risks for safety and according to which economic operators must submit through the Summary Declaration of Entry (ENtry Summary declaration) the safety data relating to the goods in question. import before their arrival in these territories. The third phase will enter into force on 3 June with the inclusion of of maritime carriers in the system, which will be extended to imports arriving by road or rail involving all operators involved in the import of goods.

The importance of the new controls and their impact on the Movement of goods to or through the customs territory European sea, road and rail were highlighted today by the World Shipping Council (WSC), FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders, Global Shippers Forum (GSF), European Community Association of Ship Brokers and Agents (ECASBA), European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA), CLECAT (European Association for Forwarding, Transport, Logistics and Customs Services), European Shippers Council (ESC) and International Road Transport Union (IRU). The associations, in particular, have stressed that awareness of the implementation of the new requirements is essential as well as understanding how ICS2 will affect the different actors in the supply.

The associations warned that failure to comply with the ICS2 requirements will result in delays and disruptions to the exports to the EU from the rest of the world and, potentially, fines and penalties for operators who do not comply with these requirements.