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EU Import Control Requirements

IMPORT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING TO/FROM OR THROUGH THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU)


What you need to know

Whether you are shipping goods to other countries like the United States, the EU or elsewhere it’s important to understand the trade and security regulations of the nation you’re shipping to regardless of mode of transport, even when you aren’t responsible for Customs clearance. This has always been true but even more so in 2023. Non-compliance can result in delays in transit, seizure of goods and financial penalties. 

Beginning March 1, 2023, the European Union (EU) is strengthening safety and security at customs for its citizens through a large-scale information system called Import Control System 2 (ICS2). 


What it means for you

Beginning March 1, 2023, all goods being shipped to or transiting through the EU*, Northern Ireland, Norway and Switzerland by air must include a minimum six-digit Harmonized System (HS) code, an accurate description for each item in the shipment (as previously required), and the receiver's Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number. These rules apply to all goods (except documents), regardless of value. 


Please provide these details for each item, every time you ship across any international borders. 

To help your business become more compliant, reduce potential delays at customs, and ensure that the correct duties and taxes are assessed when your goods are shipped across borders, please provide the required information when tendering your shipment to all carriers.You can create an invoice and include this information for every International order you create in SoluShip. 


Please note that it will be mandatory for carriers to provide this information to the authorities.


What you need to do

Every export and import shipment, regardless of value, requires a Commercial Invoice. There may be some exceptions, depending on jurisdiction and it is your responsibility to know this. Your Commercial Invoice must include:

  • A minimum six-digit Harmonized System (HS) code. To get the correct tariff classifications for your items, please go to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website and review the Canadian Customs Tariff.

  • An accurate description for each item in the shipment (as previously required). “Parts” or “Documents” will not be a sufficient description

  • Value of each item matching the currency listed on the invoice 

  • The receiver's federal business registration number. Examples include


    • European Union: Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number  

    • United States: Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID number 

These rules apply to all goods (except documents), regardless of value. Please provide these details for each item, every time you ship. 

Describing Items

A good description must answer the following questions:

  • What is it?

  • How many are there?

  • What is it made from?

  • What is the intended use?


Include this information on both your shipping and customs documentation


The HS codes and accurate description for each item in your shipment should be entered in the dedicated field of your shipping application and on the Commercial Invoice. Include your receiver’s Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number

You will also need to include your receiver’s Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number on the Commercial Invoice. Please note that an EORI number is required for both individuals (casual/personal use) and businesses in certain EU countries*. 

* EU countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

If you require assistance, please contact Customer Support.

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