Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has received advice from Australian Border Force (ABF) regarding an upcoming enhancement to the Integrated Cargo System (ICS) that will introduce an automated document request Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) message for air cargo reports where a compliance intervention occurs.
The new functionality will operate in a similar manner to the existing Notice to Produce Documents (DOCS) process for Full Import Declarations (FIDs), with the ICS automatically issuing a request for commercial documentation at the completion of the screening period whenever documentary assessment is required.
Key Benefits include:- Reduced manual intervention in document assessment processes.
- Faster and more efficient cargo clearance outcomes through the automatic generation of document requests.
- Improved certainty for industry participants, removing the need to proactively send documents to redline areas unless a formal ICS request has been issued.
- Enhanced processing efficiencies for both industry and ABF.
A new ICS EDI message type will be introduced as part of this enhancement. Businesses that access the ICS via third party software providers or messaging services will need to ensure their systems can receive, process and display the new message type once implemented.
The enhancement is anticipated to be deployed in early 2027. Further information, including technical specifications, implementation timelines and message format details, will be released by the ABF as they become available.
Lucy Robinson - Licensed Customs Broker
Head of Border, Biosecurity & Logistics - FTA / APSA
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