Trade Groups Urge Compliance With Upcoming EU Import Rule Changes

Trade groups representing the ocean freight and logistics industry are warning businesses about a new set of import rules that will soon apply to goods moving into or through Europe. They said companies that don’t comply with the rules when they take effect next month could face shipping disruptions or fines.

The trade groups issued an “urgent alert” this week to remind traders about the Import Control System (ICS2), a trade safety and security regime being implemented by the EU, Norway, Switzerland and Northern Ireland. The system has been in place for air cargo since 2023 and will be “extended to sea transport” in June, which will place “extensive new data requirements” for each item in a consignment, including by requiring a description of the item and detailed buyer and seller information.

“Failure to comply with ICS2 requirements will result in delays and disruptions to exports to the EU from the rest of the world and to goods imported into the EU, and potentially ... fines and penalties for persons liable for submitting the Safety and Security data to ICS2,” said the alert, issued by the World Shipping Council, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations, the European Shippers Council and others.

Companies should “begin their preparations” for the new rules and “seek further information on how they will be affected,” the groups said. “Cooperative working between the different parties involved in such shipments is crucial to keep goods moving.”

The ICS2 will take effect for imports arriving by road or rail in 2025.