This section contains a range of information that will assist first time users in connecting to the ICS, and will address some of the more common questions raised by clients already connected.
The Customs Connect Facility (CCF) is the communications gateway for all electronic business transactions to and from the Department. Communications and processing functions are provided for interactive transactions over the internet. To do this you must have the correct Internet Explorer (Web Browser), Java software applications running against the operating software. To confirm that you have the correct combination see the CCF/ICS Browser Support Matrix below.
First time users
There are a number of steps involved in accessing the ICS for the first time. Clients must first decide on a method of communication with the Department.
For more information, see the
First time users page.
About Digital Certificates
Clients who intend to communicate electronically with the Department through the ICS must purchase one or more digital certificates.
For more information, see the
About Digital Certificates page.
2018 Home Affairs Type 3 Public Certificate
Clients who communicate electronically with the Department using EDI messaging must use the Department of Home Affairs 2018 certificate.
Download the current Home Affairs Type 3 Certificate:
ICS terms and acronyms
The Department has produced a list of terms and acronyms that clients may come across when using the ICS to import or export goods.
For more information, see the
ICS terms and acronyms page.
ICS Business Continuity Plan (BCP)
In the event of an ICS outage, ICS slow response times, ICS specific issues, and/or client system problems it is critical that industry be able to continue normal daily business with minimal disruption through alternate cargo reporting procedures.
For more information, see the
ICS Business Continuity Plan page.
Accessing ICS Information
Information supplied to the Department for clearance of import and export cargo is available to relevant parties on request.
For more information, see the
Accessing ICS Information page.
