Import Control System (ICS) The new Import Control System (ICS) regime is mandatory in all 27 member states from 1st January 2011 and is intended to help increase the security of the global supply chain. A key element to the new rules is the responsibility of carriers to give information, supplied by the forwarder/shipper, to the respective national authorities. ICS requires that electronic entry summary declarations (ENS) are submitted to the first customs office of entry in the EU, prior to any cargo entering or transiting the EU. A security risk assessment must also be undertaken using agreed EC risk profiles. The carriers can allow third parties to submit such ENS declarations, plus diversion and arrival notifications, with their knowledge and consent. e-customs Limited have established an interface to the UK ICS system using both the HMRC Trader Front End (TFE) and CSP routes, to deliver the ICS - ENS messages. We have also reached technical agreements with European partners for delivery to other major EU countries. In the UK the ICS system has been available since 1st December 2010 and clients are succesfuly sending ENS declarations to UK Customs. If you would like further information please contact us via our web page or directly on 01425 471170.   e-customs and EMCS  Benefits As with the other elements of Webdecs, ICS is completely web based. Therefore there are no costs of installation or hardware maintenance Set up achievable within hours UK Primary route via secure / fast CSP connection UK Fallback route via HMRC Trader front End subject to enrolment on the Government Gateway Low cost fallback option for those with exisiting installed system Manage using voyages / flights or create individual ENS Assign / unassign ENS declarations to / from voyages or flights Arrive by individual MRNs or ENS Entry Key Copy and Clone functionality Declaration and voyage / flight templates Data can be validated before submission to HMRC Simplified arrival process for 24/7 operations Full Management reporting Supported by experts in customs processes and procedure     Time Limits Time limits based on the mode of transport and types of cargo are as follows:  Deep sea container transport - 24 hours before loading   Bulk/break bulk - 4 hours before arrival in the EU  Short sea transport - 2 hours before arrival in the EU  Short haul flights - at least by the time of the take off   Long haul flights - at least 4 hours before arrival in the EU  Road traffic - 1 hour before arrival in the EU  Inland waterways and rail - 2 hours before arrival in the EU