Belgium 24.04.2025

The major Belgian unions have announced a national demonstration scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 29th.

This industrial action may affect the delivery of mail and parcels within Belgium. There is also a possibility of slight delays in the handling and departure of international shipments.

Indonesia 21.04.2025

Heavy rainfall causes flooding in Pangkalpinang: Media sources on April 22 reported that heavy rainfall caused flooding in parts of Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, Indonesia, on the afternoon of April 21. The most affected areas include Gerunggang, Girimaya, Gabek, Bukit Intan, Taman Sari, Pangkal Balam, and Rangkui Districts, where floodwaters with a 20-40 centimeters height were reported on roadways. It remains unclear when the floodwaters will recede.

France 21.04.2025

Heavy rainfall causes flooding in Dordogne: Local media sources report that heavy rainfall on April 21 has caused flooding in Dordogne, France. Sources indicate that several rivers in the area burst their banks and 13 departmental roads were cut off as of the morning of April 22. Flooding was also reported in nearby Corrèze. An orange alert for flooding is active in the departments of Gironde, Charente-Maritime, Charente and Dordogne until April 24.

Switzerland 17.04.25

Heavy snowfalls are affecting delivery in the alps region of Canton Wallis and making it difficult, and in some parts even impossible, to deliver postal items in the postcode areas 19xx, 39xx due to closed roads and strong avalanche warnings.

Currently it is not predictable when normal postal operations will resume as the snowfalls still go on for the next few days.

 

Non-European public holidays

The following non-European public holidays may lead to delays in the processing and delivery of your shipments:         

  • 18/04: INT – Good Friday
  • 21/04: INT – Easter Monday
  • 29/04: JP – Showa Day

 

European Public Holidays

The following European public holidays may lead to delays in the processing and delivery of your shipments.

  • 18/04: INT – Good Friday
  • 21/04: INT – Easter Monday
  • 25/04: IT – Liberation Day
  • 26/04: NL – King’s Birthday
  • 30/04: SE – Walpurgis Night

 

Argentina 16.04.2025

Aerolíneas Argentinas pilots plan 12-hour strike: Media sources reported that the Association of Airline Pilots (APLA) confirmed a 12-hour strike at Aerolíneas Argentinas flights from 12:00 to 00:00 local time on April 16. The participating pilots protest against unresolved labour disputes.As a result, flight delays and cancelations may occur.

Navigating the Import Control System (ICS2): What it means for your shipments

The European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is a major upgrade in customs security procedures, designed to improve risk assessment and streamline the movement of goods across EU borders. All businesses transporting goods to or through the EU must now submit detailed cargo information in advance via the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). This enables customs authorities to assess potential risks before shipments even arrive, ensuring the smooth flow of legitimate trade while strengthening border security.

What is ICS2 and Why Does It Matter?

ICS2 replaces and enhances the original Import Control System (ICS) by expanding the scope and accuracy of customs risk assessments. Covering all modes of transport—including air, sea, road, and rail—ICS2 introduces stricter data requirements for shipments entering or transiting through the EU. This means businesses must adapt their logistics and IT processes to comply with the new filing and risk assessment procedures.

By requiring more detailed and earlier cargo data submissions, ICS2 allows customs authorities to:

  • Identify high-risk consignments before they reach EU borders.
  • Streamline customs clearance for compliant shipments.
  • Ensure consistent enforcement of security procedures across all EU Member States.

How ICS2 Affects Your Shipments

If your business is involved in EU-bound trade, ICS2 changes how you submit customs data and interact with customs authorities. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) Filing
    Every shipment must have an ENS filed before arriving at the first EU port of entry. Air shipments require a two-step process: a partial ENS before loading and a full ENS before arrival. For sea, road, and rail, a complete ENS must be submitted before reaching EU territory.
  • Customs Risk Assessments and Potential Delays
    Customs authorities analyse ENS data to assess security risks. If additional screening is required, they may request further details or even issue a “Do Not Load” order for high-risk shipments. Delays can occur if data is incomplete or if security concerns are raised, so accuracy and timeliness are essential.
  • Arrival Notification and Goods Presentation
    Upon arrival, the carrier must notify customs and ensure goods are presented for possible inspection. Failure to comply with ICS2 requirements can lead to administrative penalties and disruptions in supply chains.

Who is Responsible for Filing the ENS?

The carrier transporting the goods into the EU is usually responsible for submitting the ENS. However, if they lack the necessary shipment details, the responsibility may fall on the trader or logistics provider. Filing deadlines vary by transport mode:

  • Air Transport: Partial ENS required before loading; full ENS required at departure (flights under four hours) or at least four hours before arrival (flights over four hours).
  • Sea Transport: ENS is required before loading for container cargo and at least two to four hours before arrival for other shipments.
  • Road Transport: ENS must be submitted at least one hour before arrival in the EU.

Preparing for ICS2 Compliance

To avoid disruptions, businesses must take the following steps:

  • Obtain an EORI Number
    All Economic Operators must register for an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number with an EU Member State’s customs authority to submit ENS filings.
  • Upgrade IT Systems
    Businesses need systems capable of handling ICS2 data filing. This can be managed through in-house IT solutions or external IT service providers.
  • Complete Mandatory Self-Conformance Testing
    Before going live with ICS2, businesses must successfully complete conformance testing to ensure their systems meet the new requirements and can connect to the ICS2 network.
  • Submit ENS Filings Correctly
    ENS filings can be submitted via the Shared Trader Portal (STP) or through a custom connection via the Shared Trader Interface (STI), which requires additional compliance steps.
  • Ensure Readiness for Customs Risk Management
    Businesses must be prepared to handle customs referrals, respond to requests for additional information, and complete security screening when required.

    How UKP Worldwide Can Help

    Navigating new customs regulations can be complex, but UKP Worldwide is here to support your business through the transition. With written instruction, our team may be able to assist in submitting ENS filings, ensuring compliance, and mitigating customs risks. If you can provide the necessary data, we may be able to act as the Sender on your behalf.

    Our services include:

    • IT Integration Support – Helping businesses implement the necessary IT systems and submit ICS2/ENS declarations.
    • ENS Filing Services – Acting as the Sender to ensure accurate and timely ENS submissions, preventing shipment delays.
    • Customs Compliance & Risk Mitigation – Assisting with customs referrals and security requirements to keep shipments moving smoothly.

    As a GB Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), we provide trusted expertise in customs clearance. Contact our team today to find out how we can help your business adapt to ICS2.

    Australia 15.04.2025

    Tropical Storm system may bring heavy rain to parts of Australia:Media sources indicate that a tropical storm system has formed and has been moving westwards north of Broome, Australia. The Northern Territory and Western Australia regions could reportedly face heavy rainfall due to the storm’s passage. The path of the cyclone remains uncertain; however, landfall remains possible in the coming days.

    Canada 14.04.2025

    Ground delay program at Vancouver International Airport: Aviation sources indicated that a ground delay program was implemented at Vancouver International Airport in Canada from 11:00 local time on April 16 until 01:59 local time on April 17. Departures to Vancouver International Airport were delayed by an average of 158 minutes. According to Canada’s air navigation service provider, Nav Canada, flight delays occur since April 14 due to a shortage of navigation workers including flight controllers. Lingering disruptions to flight operations are to be expected until conditions improve.