CLECAT-FIATA GUIDANCE DOCUMENT ON ICS2 RELEASE 3 FOR MARITIME TRANSPORT
CLECAT and FIATA have jointly issued an informative Guidance Note for freight forwarders on the European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) Release 3 impacting the maritime sector. The guidance document emphasises the importance of early action for freight forwarders globally to ensure compliance, maintain control over house-level data, to prevent disruptions and ensure compliance under ICS2 Release 3 for maritime transport.
Compliance deadlines for maritime freight forwarders are approaching fast: to be able to start house-level filing within the planned deployment window (4 December 2024 to 1st April 2025) freight forwarders must request their own deployment window to their national Customs authorities before 1st November 2024. As ocean carriers have barely started filing into ICS2, the joint document provides useful advice on the benefits of house-level filing for freight forwarders and the need for the industry to prepare to these massive operational changes.
Freight forwarders acting as carriers must take proactive steps to protect their business by becoming house level filers and maintaining control over house-level data and do not rely on shipping lines for house-level filings and sharing sensitive commercial data unless necessary. Freight forwarders should prioritise formal agreements, technical readiness, and internal coordination to navigate these challenges effectively and secure compliance with ICS2 Release 3 requirements. The key points of this guidance outline essential actions, technical requirements, and process-driven practices to help freight forwarders to navigate the ICS2 Release 3 requirements.