GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 23, 2026

Early Customs Declaration Submission

The more lead time customs authorities receive, the less freight waits at borders and ports – that is the core promise of early customs declaration submission.

Quick Answer

Last updated: 23 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/business/customs-procedures/import-procedures/ics2_en

Category

Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

Reading time

1 min

Words

127

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

The more lead time customs authorities receive, the less freight waits at borders and ports – that is the core promise of early customs declaration submission. Importers and freight forwarders file declaration data while goods are still in transit, enabling risk assessments to be completed before physical arrival; where pre-clearance is granted, release on arrival becomes possible without further delay. In the EU, the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) formalises advance filing requirements for inbound cargo; in the United States, the Automated Manifest System (AMS) mandates pre-arrival submission for ocean shipments. Forwarders prioritise this approach on time-critical lanes or corridors known for lengthy clearance procedures. Pre-filing does not guarantee release – customs retains the right to inspect – but it substantially reduces the likelihood of costly port detention.

Next steps

Tools that match this term

Calculate transit timeEstimate duration per transport modeOpen Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Check demurrage/detentionCalculate standing charges and free timeOpen

Related Terms

You might also be interested in these terms

Declar

Declar is a free web application of the Swiss BAZG in the ePortal that enables, above all, smaller companies and transporters with…

Learn more

Alternate Freight Handling Systems

A bulk cargo handler needs different systems than a standard pallet operator; aerospace components require custom fixtures. Altern…

Learn more

Catalog Pricing Logistics

Instead of negotiating custom pricing per shipment, many freight carriers establish standard rates for common service combinations…

Learn more

Commercial Off-The-Shelf Systems for Logistics

When building or modernising a freight or warehouse operation, the choice between custom development and ready-made software arise…

Learn more

Make-to-Deliver Supply Chain Frameworks

Make-to-Deliver is an integrated supply chain control model that directly links custom manufacturing (Make-to-Order) with shipment…

Learn more

Make-to-Engineer Custom Freight Networks

For complex engineering projects – such as transport of specialized machinery or large plant components – standard freight network…

Learn more

⚡ Current 2026

Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

Passar replaces E-dec and NCTS. Passar 1.0 (export) is live, Passar 2.0 (import) starts from Q2 2026. Roadmap, ePortal registration, deadlines and FAQ — all on one page.

Passar 1.0Passar 2.0 → Q2 2026Passar 3.0 → Q2 2027

Passar Hub →Declar Info

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Weekly: Top news, industry facts and insights from the world of logistics – free.

Early Customs Declaration Submission

Next steps

Related Terms

Declar

Alternate Freight Handling Systems

Catalog Pricing Logistics

Commercial Off-The-Shelf Systems for Logistics

Make-to-Deliver Supply Chain Frameworks

Make-to-Engineer Custom Freight Networks

Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Community Questions & Answers