Import Control System 2 (ICS2)

DELIVERING TRANSFORMATION

Freephone
citizens

153

Phone
Businesses

144

Import Control System 2 (ICS2)

ICS2 is a new IT system designed to collect data on all goods entering the European Union prior to their arrival. Economic Operators (EOs) are required to submit safety and security data to ICS2 through the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS).

The system aims to strengthen the protection of the EU’s single market and its citizens through enhanced customs safety and security measures. At the same time, it facilitates the free flow of trade by improving data-driven customs processes aligned with modern global business models.

The first release of ICS2 was deployed on 1 October 2021, requiring Maltapost to submit an ENS containing pre-loading information only. However, the second release extends this requirement: Maltapost, air carriers, and air cargo freight forwarders must now submit a complete ENS for all goods entering the EU. ICS2 Release 2 became operational on 1 March 2023.

Registration and Implementation

The Department of Customs plans to launch its National Entry System (NES) in mid-June 2023. Economic Operators may begin operations either in line with the Department’s launch or at a later stage, within predefined deployment windows based on their role:

Air carriers must commence operations no later than 1 July 2023
Postal services, air express operators, and air freight forwarders (i.e. issuers of HAWB) must commence operations no later than 2 October 2023

Economic Operators Required to Submit an ENS

Economic Operators that have registered their EORI number with the Maltese Department of Customs and provide postal, air carrier, air express, or air cargo freight forwarding services are required to submit an ENS.

If an EO operates in more than one EU Member State, it must register its ICS2 Release 2 operations in one Member State only. All EOs must obtain approval from the Maltese Department of Customs before commencing operations.

Notification Requirements

EOs must submit an email to [email protected] before 1 March 2023, including the following information:

EORI number (registered with the Maltese Department of Customs)
Organisation name
Contact details (name, surname, email, and telephone number)
EO role (postal operator, air carrier, air express operator, or air freight forwarder)
Confirmation of operations in other Member States (if applicable)
Intended date of entry into operations

Use of an IT Service Provider (ITSP)

EOs intending to use an IT Service Provider must notify the Maltese Department of Customs and provide:

EO details (as listed above)
ITSP EORI number
ITSP organisation name
ITSP contact details
Declaration of the appointed ITSP
Intended date of entry into operations

National Project Plan

EOs or their ITSP must submit their Economic Operator National Project Plan to [email protected].

ICS2 User Accounts

ICS2 user accounts will only be issued once all required formalities have been completed. EOs must inform the Maltese Department of Customs of their need for an account via Customs System Queries - Fill in this form

Shared Trader Interface (STI)

The European Commission provides two options for submitting ENS data to the ICS2 Central Repository via the Shared Trader Interface:

Graphical User Interface (GUI):
Allows manual submission of ENS declarations; suitable for operators with low shipment volumes
System-to-System (SToS):
Enables automated submission via an integrated IT system; suitable for operators handling higher volumes

Technical specifications for SToS integration are available in the ICS2 Release 2 informational resources.

Informational Resources for ICS2 Release 2

A range of technical and operational resources is available to support Economic Operators (EOs) in implementing ICS2 Release 2. These materials provide guidance on system requirements, testing procedures, and integration processes.

Implementation Documentation