UK to test-drive new security system next month

The UK has set a target date of November 2 for the introduction of an operational Import Control System (ICS) ahead of the official EU deadline of January 1, 2011. HMRC believes that it is important that the system is extensively used prior to the January deadline, to ascertain that it is operating correctly and that accurate entry summary declarations (ENS) are being made within the moderelevant timeframes, a spokesman for the British International Freight Association (Bifa) explained. ICS requires that ENS declarations are submitted to the first airport or seaport of landing in the EU prior to arrival of any cargo destined for, or transiting the EU. The ENS declaration must be submitted on ocean shipments at least 24 hours prior to a vessel’s departure or on other modes within a specified period prior to the flight or vehicle’s arrival at the airport/ port of first landing. A security risk assessment will be undertaken using agreed community risk profiles. ICS is due to be implemented in all 27 member States and is intended as another measure that will help increase the security of the global supply chain.