European Union Import Control System 2 Requirements
European Union Import Control System 2 Requirements
What you need to know
Beginning March 1, 2023, the European Union (EU) is strengthening safety and security at customs for its citizens through a large-scale information system called Import Control System 2 (ICS2). The new ICS2 requirements will be implemented in three releases.
What it means for you
For Release 2, beginning March 1, 2023, all goods being shipped to or transiting through the EU* or Northern Ireland, Norway and Switzerland by air must include a minimum six-digit Harmonized System (HS) code, an accurate description for each item in the shipment (as previously required), and the receiver's Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number†, if known. These rules apply to all goods (except documents), regardless of value. Please provide these details for each item, every time you ship.
To help your business become more compliant, reduce potential delays at customs, and ensure that the correct duties and taxes are assessed when your goods are shipped across borders, please provide the required information when tendering your shipment to FedEx.
For Release 3, beginning March 1, 2024, these requirements will be extended to road, rail and maritime shipments.
Please note that it will be mandatory for FedEx to provide this information to the authorities.
What you need to do
To get the correct tariff classifications for your items, please go to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website and review the Canadian Customs Tariff.
A Harmonized System (HS) code is an internationally standardized system of describing and classifying goods. It is used by customs authorities to identify items and apply the correct duties and taxes (or restrictions) to them. In some countries, HS codes are also known by other names. Tariff codes and commodity codes are two of the most common.
Describing Items
A good description must answer the following questions:
- What is it?
- How many are there?
- What is it made from?
- What is the intended use?
| Poor Description | Good Description | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
"Parts" |  |
“Two steel springs for woodworking machine.” |
|
"Gift" | |
"One men's knitted sweater (100% cotton) unsolicited gift.” |
|
"Samples" | |
“200 cm x 400 cm nylon carpet sample for demonstration." |
|
"Documents" | |
“30 pages of legal documents.” |
|
"Food" | |
"FOOD - One can of sliced peaches" |
|
"See Commercial Invoice" |
|
“Provide a good summary of all items. The description on the air waybill should be as detailed as possible." |
The HS codes and accurate description for each item in your shipment should be entered in the dedicated field of your shipping application and on the Commercial Invoice. If you’re completing a manual FedEx Express International Air Waybill, please provide the same information in the appropriate field and on the Commercial Invoice. If there isn’t enough space on the manual air waybill to include the required information, please process your shipment using one of our electronic shipping solutions.
You will also need to include your receiver’s Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number†, if known, in the Recipient Tax ID/Customer Reference field of your shipping application (if available) and on the Commercial Invoice.
* EU countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
† VAT-registered businesses must obtain an EORI number, which is a unique identifier required for companies. Depending on applicable country or territory regulations, private individuals may need an EORI number to ship or receive packages. In Norway it’s known as an 'Organization number', while in Switzerland it’s referred to as the 'Unique Identification (UID) number’.