• Freight Services general

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Change in customs procedure in UK related shipments

Starting December 4, 2024, Finnlines will fully implement the European Union’s latest Import Control System (ICS2), designed specifically for the maritime industry. This update will enhance pre-arrival safety and security checks for cargo shipments that either depart from the UK or that are carried by vessels making a stop at a UK port. For Finnlines service, this means cargo from Finland to Belgium and Spain, as well as from the UK to continental Europe.

What You Need to Know:
The ICS2 process will allow Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) submissions by carriers, freight forwarders, or consignees. Soon after, it will also permit the use of House Bills of Lading (HBL). While this new process introduces additional steps, it is designed to improve the long-term efficiency and transparency of customs procedures.

To comply with ICS2, you need to provide the following additional details to help ensure smooth cargo processing. These requirements include:

  • 6-digit HS Code for the commodity Accurate HS codes help customs identify and classify goods effectively.
  • Complete and accurate cargo descriptions Clear and compliant descriptions are essential for customs processing. You can refer to EU guidelines for examples.
  • Detailed and concise Document Party addresses For each party involved in the shipment (Shipper, Consignee, Notify Party) the following information needs to be provided:
    • Business Name
    • Street Name Line 1 (mandatory unless PO Box is provided)
    • Street Name Line 2 (optional)
    • House Number (mandatory unless PO Box is provided)
    • PO Box (mandatory unless House Number is provided)
    • City (mandatory)
    • Postal Code/ZIP (mandatory)
    • Country (mandatory)
  • EORI number for Consignee established in the EU This is a mandatory EU customs identification number for consignees. More information can be found on EU site: Economic Operators Registration and Identification number.
  • EORI number for the declarant Applicable if you’re using House Bills of Lading (HBL).
  • Buyer and Seller data Accurate information for both buyer and seller is required to facilitate processing.

Finnlines is adapting its systems to include these additional data elements, and we recommend gathering and organizing the necessary information now to be fully prepared for the ICS2 regulations.

Key Date to Remember: Finnlines will begin filing ICS2 ENS data for departures to Belgium and Spain starting in week 49, so please be prepared to meet these requirements to avoid any delays.

For further details on ICS2 Release 3, please visit the EU’s Import Control System page.
Please note: Finnlines reserves the right to apply extra charges for documentation where necessary.