European Clearance Regulations Change
Dear Valued Customer,
We would like to take this opportunity to inform you of important changes to European Regulations, related to all non-document shipments entering the EU.
As of 1 March 2023, the European Union’s Import Control System (ICS2) for all goods entering the EU by air, will enforce new regulations that requires the collection specific data prior to the arrival of shipments. The data required includes some items
that customers are already sharing on commercial invoices such as, full shipper and consignee addresses and names, as well full and clear description of goods.
There is however some additional information required under the new regulations, on all non-document shipments.
First of which is the HS (Harmonized System) Code, which must be stated clearly on the commercial invoice by the shipper at time of creating the shipment. The HS code is a minimum of six digits and is used to clearly identify and declare the commodity being shipped. We recommend that customers who are not familiar with the HS codes for their specific products refers to https://www.wcotradetools.org/en/harmonizedsystem in order to look up the code for their specific product. Should multiple products
be shipped it is a requirement that the HS code for each product is listed on the commercial invoice.
The second additional requirement is the EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number when shipping goods to registered companies within the EU. This number must be clearly stated under the consignee details on the commercial invoice. Shippers are strongly advised to request the correct number from the consignee when shipping to any registered business in the EU.
It is important to note that as of the stipulated date all shipments will be checked prior to export by Aramex South Africa for the required information. Any nondocument shipments that does not comply with the new regulations and does not reflect the HS Code or EORI number (where applicable to a business) will be held back. Once the relevant information is received the shipment will be exported.
With this new process being implemented globally, we anticipate some teething issues and likely delays on inbound cargo into the EU which will impact transit times.
We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this new process may cause. We are committed to assisting in helping you become more familiar with the new regulations over the next couple of weeks. In the event that you need urgent assistance kindly reach out to your Customer Relationship Manager. Alternatively, you can reach out to our live chat team on www.aramex.co.za
Hein Bruyns
Communication & Customer Experience Executive
Aramex South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Download Customer Update – European HS Code Regulations 20 February
