Air cargo: which EU regulation affects you most?

Anyone who ships, forwards or handles air cargo faces several EU regimes. Two stand out: aviation security (Regulation (EU) 2015/1998) and the customs system ICS2. The first decides whether your consignment may enter the secure chain; the second whether it may cross the EU external border.

Aviation security: the secure supply chain

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 sets out the detailed common basic standards and governs how air cargo enters the chain as secure. Three roles are central:

• Regulated agent — a freight forwarder or handler validated by the national

authority to secure and handle air cargo.

• Known consignor — a shipper that tenders cargo under validated security

measures, so it can enter the chain as secure without further screening.

• ACC3 — for cargo entering the EU by air from a third country: the air

carrier must be designated for that purpose.

Cargo not secured through this chain must be screened before loading. That directly affects your lead time and costs.

ICS2: advance cargo data to customs

The Import Control System 2 (ICS2) requires economic operators — including air carriers, freight forwarders and postal/express operators — to file cargo data electronically with customs before arrival, via an entry summary declaration. Customs uses that data for safety and security risk analysis. Incomplete or late filing can lead to a do-not-load instruction. ICS2 is being introduced in phases; consult the European Commission page for the current releases and deadlines.

What it means for you

• Establish your role in the chain. Are you a regulated agent or known

consignor, or do you tender to one? Without a validated status your cargo must be screened.

• Secure your ICS2 filings. Make sure the right party files the advance data

on time and in full — otherwise you risk delay or refusal.

• Verify at the source. Exact deadlines and validation requirements vary;

check them against the cited EUR-Lex and Commission pages and your national authority.

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