The pre-arrival information provided through the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) is the first line of defence for customs authorities.
The ENS is primarily used for security and risk analysis purposes. It provides advance information to customs authorities about goods entering the customs territory, allowing them to perform risk assessments before the goods arrive. This helps in identifying and preventing threats related to security, health, safety, and environmental standards.
Import Control System 2 (ICS2)
Second, customs administrations perform a variety of controls during the clearance process. These controls are designed to ensure compliance with laws and regulations, protect national interests, and facilitate legitimate trade.
This includes controls on:
- Duties to be paid and the correct description of the goods, their origin and value;
- Security and safety measures (smuggling, drugs, cigarettes, weapons, fight against terrorism etc.);
- Prohibitions and restrictions, i.e. product compliance and safety, health, sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, environmental legislation, counterfeited products, etc.
- Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) rules.
In addition, customs often support the work of other enforcement services such as police and immigration services.
There are documentary check, when the customs authorities review documentation accompanying the goods, such as commercial invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, and, if applicable, ENS. They ensure that all required documentation is accurate, complete, and complies with regulations.
And there are physical inspections to assess the nature, quantity, condition, and classification of the goods. This helps in verifying the accuracy of the declarations and ensuring that the goods match the description provided.
To minimise hinders to trade, efficient controls target risky consignments. This requires a complex and sophisticated risk analysis (both at local and EU level).
The quality and efficiency of the customs controls is also dependent on the availability of performant customs control equipment and laboratories. The Customs Control Equipment Instrument (CCEI) has been set up with that aim.
