Chapman Freeborn launches ICS2 service to streamline European cargo declarations

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Chapman Freeborn has launched an internal customs declaration service designed to help shippers, freight forwarders and logistics providers meet Europe’s Import Control System 2 requirements for inbound and transit cargo.

The global aircraft charter specialist, which is part of Avia Solutions Group, said its trained team in Germany can prepare and submit Entry Summary Declarations directly. The service has already been introduced across the wider aviation group and is now available to external customers that lack their own ICS2 systems or qualified personnel.

The move brings customs security filing into the same operation that plans and coordinates the cargo movement. Chapman Freeborn said this structure could help identify missing shipment information earlier, particularly when cargo must move at short notice.

ICS2 is the European Union’s advanced cargo information and security system. It requires carriers and other parties in the logistics chain to provide detailed shipment and safety information before goods arrive in or transit the covered territories.

The information is submitted through an Entry Summary Declaration, commonly known as an ENS. Customs authorities analyse the data before arrival to identify shipments that may present security or safety risks.

The requirements apply to cargo entering or passing through the European Union, Switzerland, Norway and Northern Ireland. They cover movements by air, sea, road and rail, making ICS2 relevant to a wide section of the freight and logistics market.

An ENS filing acts much like an advance passenger list used in aviation. Authorities receive information about the cargo before it reaches the border, giving them time to assess risk and decide whether further checks or instructions are required.

Incomplete, inconsistent or late data can interrupt that process. For urgent shipments, a declaration problem can become an operational constraint affecting aircraft schedules, connecting transport and final delivery arrangements.

Chapman Freeborn developed the service through its specialist team in Germany. Team members completed the required training and can now manage declarations without sending the work to a separate filing provider.

The company is targeting shippers, freight forwarders and logistics businesses that move cargo into or through Europe but do not maintain their own ICS2 capability.

Such companies may understand that an ENS is mandatory but lack the software, trained employees or filing volume needed to manage declarations internally. The challenge becomes more pronounced when a charter or time critical shipment is arranged outside normal planning cycles.

“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 new capability also reduces the number of service providers involved in preparing a European cargo movement. Instead of transferring shipment details to an external filing company, Chapman Freeborn can manage the declaration alongside its existing charter and cargo coordination work.

This may be particularly relevant for sensitive or high value consignments, where customers seek tighter control over commercial documents and shipment information. It also gives the coordinating team direct visibility of any missing data before the declaration is submitted.

The service does not remove the need for customers and logistics partners to supply accurate cargo information. It instead provides a filing channel for companies that may otherwise need to appoint another provider or develop their own technical connection.

The launch extends Chapman Freeborn’s cargo support beyond aircraft charter arrangements and operational coordination. The declaration process can now be incorporated into planning for shipments entering or transiting the covered European territories.

For charter operations, timing is often fixed around aircraft availability, airport handling capacity, permits and connecting road transport. A missing data field may appear minor, but it can hold up a declaration that is required before the cargo reaches the border.

“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, and customers increasingly need practical support in managing these requirements.”

Hunziker said providing the service internally would strengthen the company’s cargo offering while giving Chapman Freeborn and its customers closer oversight of the declaration process.