EUROPEAN 24-HOUR RULE / ENS FILING November 2010
European legislation requires that all goods brought into the Customs territory of the EU Community must be covered by
an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), which is to be lodged electronically with EU Customs at the first EU port of call.
All cargo touching a European Port, regardless if its final destination is within the EU or beyond (transshipment cargo),
must be manifested at least 24 hours prior to loading onto the EU-bound vessel at the load port, including freight remaining on board (FROB).
The purpose of this new regulation is to allow EU customs to perform a cargo risk assessment and initiate preventive action against an identified risk.
Risk Type A = EU Customs issues do not load (DNL) message to the ocean Carrier
Risk Type B = EU Customs intervention at the first port of entry
Risk Type C = EU Customs intervention at the port of discharge
This new rule becomes effective with EU-bound vessels loading on or after January 1, 2011 and will be applicable to
the 27 EU member states, except French overseas departments, Azores, Madeira and Canary Islands.
The Ocean Carrier is responsible for the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the ENS filing. Details submitted are on Master bill of lading level.
To ensure compliance with this new regulation, WCS requires receipt of complete Bill of Lading Instructions by the specified documentation cutoff, including:
Valid ITN number or AES exemption citation
Container and seal number (applicable to FCL)
6-Digit Harmonized System (HS) code for each commodity and corresponding commodity description
Most ocean carriers will require a 6-digit HS code. Some Carriers may accept 4 digits, in which case it must be accompanied
with an acceptable goods description according to EU published guidelines at link or link
To reduce the risk of cargo holds, WCS requires submission of a 6-digit HS code.
Amendments: The legal requirement is that the ENS is complete and accurate. There is no restriction on which ENS particulars can be amended. However, the ENS filer and the Customs office at the first port of entry cannot be amended. The deadlines for the lodging of the ENS do not start again after amendment.
