GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026
Import Electronic Filing (ACE, EU ICS2)
Before a container even docks, the freight forwarder has already transmitted commodity descriptions, tariff codes, country of origin, weight, consignee details, and customs value to the relevant authority — this is electronic import pre-filing in practice.
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Source: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated
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Definition & Explanation
Before a container even docks, the freight forwarder has already transmitted commodity descriptions, tariff codes, country of origin, weight, consignee details, and customs value to the relevant authority — this is electronic import pre-filing in practice. In the United States, the process runs through ACE (Automated Commercial Environment), operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The EU's equivalent for security pre-notification is ICS2 (Import Control System 2), mandatory for all inbound shipments. Both systems allow customs authorities to complete risk assessments before goods arrive, issuing targeted inspection orders or release decisions in advance and thereby reducing port dwell time. Incomplete or inaccurate filings can result in shipment holds or financial penalties, making data quality a core operational responsibility for importers and forwarders alike.
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