Chapman Freeborn has launched an in-house Import Control System 2 (ICS2) declaration service for companies moving cargo into or through Europe.
Chapman Freeborn’s specialist team in Germany developed the service and has already rolled it out across Avia Solutions Group. It is now available to external customers, including shippers, freight forwarders and logistics providers without their own ICS2 capability.
Managing mandatory declarations in-house
The European Union introduced ICS2 as its advanced cargo information and security system. It requires carriers to submit detailed shipment and safety data through an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) before goods enter or transit the EU, Switzerland, Norway or Northern Ireland.
Customs authorities use this information to assess potential security risks before a shipment arrives. The requirements apply across air, sea, road and rail transport.
For companies without dedicated systems or trained personnel, preparing and submitting these declarations can add another layer to the process. This is particularly important for urgent, sensitive or high-value shipments, where incomplete information or delays can affect the wider cargo movement.
Chapman Freeborn’s German team has completed specialist training and can now prepare and submit the required declarations in-house. This reduces reliance on a separate filing provider and limits the number of parties involved in handling shipment information.
Supporting time-critical cargo movements
“Many customers know that the declaration is required, but they do not always have the systems or resources to manage it themselves, especially when a shipment is moving at short notice,” said James Gilliard, Vice President Cargo Sales Europe at Chapman Freeborn. “By handling the filing within the same team coordinating the movement, we can identify missing information earlier and help keep the process on track.”
The service extends Chapman Freeborn’s existing cargo support by bringing the declaration process into the wider planning and coordination of the shipment. It gives customers a more direct way to manage European inbound and transit requirements. This is particularly where timing and the careful handling of shipment information are essential.
“Bringing this capability into our own team is a natural development for Chapman Freeborn,” said Reto R. Hunziker, President Europe at Chapman Freeborn. “ICS2 has become an essential part of moving cargo into Europe,. Customers increasingly need practical support in managing these requirements. Providing that support in-house strengthens the service we can offer while giving both our teams and customers closer oversight of the declaration process.”
