Industry News

Reminder: EU Submission of Advance Cargo Information Becomes Mandatory On January 1, 2011

December 16, 2010


Beginning on January 1st, 2011 the European Union will require electronic submission of security data within certain timeframes prior to import and export on inbound and outbound ocean, air, and land cargo. The information submissions have been voluntary during a transition period since the security data requirement took effect in July, 2009.

Import Criteria

The Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) applies to all goods (unless waived or exempted) brought into the EC customs territory beginning January 1, 2011, including freight remaining on board (FROB), regardless of the final destination. The carrier is responsible for lodging the ENS.

The ENS must be submitted to the customs office within the following timeframes:

  •  Containerized maritime cargo (except short sea containerized shipping):

At least 24 hours before beginning loading in each foreign load port

  • Bulk/break bulk maritime cargo (except short sea containerized shipping):

At least 4 hours before arrival at the first port in the EU

  • Short haul flights (less than 4 hours duration):

At least by the time of the actual take off of the aircraft

  • Long haul flights (more than 4 hours duration):

At least 4 hours before arrival at the first airport in the EU

  • Rail and inland waterways:

At least 2 hours before arrival at the customs office of entry in the EU

  • Road Traffic

At least 1 hour before arrival at the customs office of entry in the EU

Export Criteria

As of January 1, 2011, carriers will also be obligated to submit security data to the customs office of exit before the exit of goods from the EU, however this obligation does not apply to FROB cargo. The security data may added to a customs declaration or a transit declaration, or can be lodged as a separate exit summary declaration.

The timeframes for submitting data are as follows:

  • Containerized maritime cargo (except short sea containerized shipping):

At least 24 hours before beginning loading into the vessel that is going to carry the goods outside of the EU

  • Bulk/break bulk maritime cargo (except short sea containerized shipping):

At least 4 hours before leaving the EU port

  • Air Traffic:

At least by 30 minutes before the departure of the aircraft

  • Rail and inland waterways:

At least 2 hours before the departure from the customs office of exit

  • Road Traffic:

At least 1 hour before the departure from the customs office of exit

Further details regarding the data required for imports and exports can be obtained in Annex 30A CCIP or by contacting a Barnes Richardson attorney.