Europe’s Version of the “10+2” Rule Poses Questions for Shippers

The European Union’s (EU) Import Control System (ICS) is mandating that shipment information as in the “10+2 Rule” be communicated to Customs in advance of a shipment.  This process is shaking up import compliance in a scenario familiar to U.S. consignees.  Similar to the “U.S. Importer Security Filing 10+2 Rule”, the ICS aims to deliver critical data to authorities before a shipment reaches the EU to better assess risks.

The EU regulation becomes effective Jan 1, 2011 and will place the burden of compliance on carriers.  Importers and exporters will have to provide the timely and accurate information or face having their shipments to be delayed.  Not surprisingly, shippers and transporters are voicing their concerns about how the information will be gathered, how the ICS will be financed, and how this effort will be launched across 27 European countries.