Five Must-Know Facts about the EU ICS2

🔓 ICS2 Is Here: Five Must-Know Facts about the EU ICS2 and how to find out more

As a custom professional, I’ve watched the rollout of the EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) with keen interest. It’s more than an IT upgrade—it’s the EU’s security gatekeeper for goods entering the Customs Union.

Carriers, freight forwarders, postal operators, express couriers, and importers all need to understand exactly what this system demands, or risk delays, fines, and operational disruption.

Here are five quick, high-impact facts about ICS2:

1. Mandatory Pre-Arrival Declarations – All goods entering the EU require an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) before arrival to enable EU customs to perform risk assessments.

2. Three-Phase Rollout Completed – ICS2 covers postal/express shipments (2021), air general cargo (2023), and maritime, road, and rail traffic (2024). By 31 December 2025, full compliance is required everywhere.

3. Single EU-Wide System – ICS2 replaces national pre-arrival systems, ensuring consistent safety and security checks across all Member States.

4. Strict Data Requirements – ENS must include HS codes, detailed goods descriptions, EORI numbers, addresses, and shipper/consignee info. Missing or incorrect data can trigger delays or “Do Not Load” instructions.

5. Applies to All Modes – Air, sea, road, rail, postal, and express shipments are covered. Businesses must submit ENS through the EU Shared Trader Interface (STI) or approved third-party software.

🔒Technical Briefing, Downloads, Analysis

In our latest Pro-only briefing, we cover everything you need to stay compliant and ahead of the curve:

• The full ICS2 ENS filing process, from submission to arrival and presentation notifications.

• Key dates and deadlines, including the critical 31 December 2025 cut-off for RoRo, road, and rail shipments.

• Practical examples showing how even slight routing changes—like shipping via France instead of Ireland—can impact compliance.

• All data requirements under UCC Delegated Act Annex B, including HS codes, EORI numbers, and proper product descriptions.

• How to navigate Member State derogations and NCTS Phase 6 “opt-in/opt-out” rules.

• Stop words, data quality, and common pitfalls that trigger Do Not Load instructions or penalties.

• Filing strategies: single vs multiple filing, Shared Trader Interface (STI) connectivity, and fallback procedures.

• Official EU & HMRC downloads and links, including general and technical datasheets, plus actionable checklists for staff training and internal prep.

  
  

Read it now: https://www.customsmanager.info/post/eu-ics

For access and to become a PRO subscriber: E-mail info@customsmanager.org 

Visit www.cusotmsmanager.info 

ICS2 isn’t optional—it’s mandatory, and getting it right is a matter of protecting your shipments, reputation, and bottom line. Our Pro subscribers get the deep dive, step-by-step guidance, and real-world tips to ensure your business files correctly, every time.

If you’re responsible for ENS filings into the EU, this briefing is your blueprint for smooth, compliant operations—and the only one you’ll want to bookmark.

Have you subscribed to our free newsletter yet?

Visit www.customsmanager.info and drop your e-mail address into the box, and you will receive "The Monday Mandate" with all key direct links to changing legislation and deeper analysis to make sense of it all.