Last updated: August 30, 2023
As of July 1, 2023, the European Union has implemented a new and mandatory customs Pre-Loading and Pre-Arrival safety and security program. The foundation of the program is a large-scale advanced cargo information system: Import Control System 2 (ICS2).
ICS2 is an automated entry process that applies to all cargo to and transiting through the 27 EU member states, Northern Ireland, Norway and Switzerland. This process monitors the security of the EU’s external border. Automation of the process also ensures that data can be exchanged more efficiently between the carrier and EU member states. Please note that ICS2 applies to all cargo and mail with a destination within or transit via the ICS2 mandate region, even if the final destination is not. (For example, a shipment from Asia to the UK, where the goods are transiting via any EU country.)
At American Airlines Cargo, we have prepared for the new requirements by adapting our processes and systems to ensure full compliance. The successful introduction of the changes required by the ICS2 regulation will also depend on your active participation and compliance.
American Airlines Cargo will require the full FWB and FHL data before acceptance to fulfill a carrier's responsibility regarding the pre-loading filing (PLACI). This means that we now require the following information for shipments bound for the ICS2 mandate region:
• The first six digits of the Harmonized Commodity Code (HS)
• The consignee’s Economic Operator’s Registration and Identification number (EORI) * Not applicable for shipments only transiting thru the ICS2 mandate regions
Please be sure that the HS code and EORI number provided are both valid and accurately recorded. The EORI number must be registered in the EU for it to be valid. Please also include the consignee’s full contact information, including postal code and phone number. All these items are part of the required information for shipment acceptance.
We ask customers to include these new data elements in FWB and FHL messages, as well as on shipping source documents (Master Air Waybill; House Air Waybill & Consolidation Manifest). For the mandatory ICS2 reporting to EU customs authorities, the completed FWB/FHL messages must be transmitted to American Airlines Cargo before tender.
The ICS2 mandate is also applicable to mail. As of July 1, we will only accept mail with a valid CARDIT message containing AR Flag showcasing that the electronic advance data has been transmitted. If the CARDIT message does not contain the AR Flag, the mail cannot be accepted. Each postal operator is responsible for transmitting the electronic advance data to the EU Commission prior to transport. Any and all open referrals must be cleared prior to tender to American Airlines Cargo.
You can submit HS codes and EORI information in your eAWB and House AWB on aacargo.com. More information is available in the eFreight Guide
If you have not completed an eAWB or other electronic submission for a shipment traveling to the ICS2 mandate country, please download and complete this form to accompany all shipping documents at tender to American Airlines Cargo: Harmonized Commodity Code & Consignee's EORI Number Form
Effective July 1, 2023, all shipments destined or transiting via the European Union as well as Northern Ireland, Norway and Switzerland will require two (2) additional data elements on the master air waybill and house air waybill for consolidated shipments:
• Harmonized Commodity code (HS/HTS code) in the Nature and Quantity of Goods
• EORI number for the Consignee/Consignees in the Consignee`s Name and Address
For more detailed information on “Import Control System 2 (ICS 2)” please refer to the Customs Security page on the European Commission website or watch this short video.
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