What is ICS2 and Who Does It Affect
Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is the European Union’s new platform for customs risk management. From 1 September 2025 it becomes mandatory for road and rail transport, replacing the old ICS1. The system aims to ensure greater transparency, protection against illegal shipments, and better control before goods enter the EU.
ICS2 directly impacts carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers and companies involved in international transport within the EU.
Key Deadlines for Road and Rail Operators
1 September 2025 – all road and rail operators must file an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) in ICS2 before entering the EU.
From 2026 – full harmonization and mandatory ENS submission for all modes of transport and operators without exception.
Transition periods – no extensions after September 2025. Deferrals applied only to air and maritime transport.
ENS Data Fields and Who Submits Them
The ENS declaration must include:
- Consignor and consignee details;
- Description and HS codes of goods;
- Weight, volume, and number of packages;
- Markings of parcels/containers;
- Vehicle and route information.
Who submits?
- For full loads (FTL/wagons) – the carrier.
- For groupage (LTL) – the freight forwarder or their customs broker.
- For multimodal/combined – each party is responsible for its segment.
Data in Groupage and Customs Transit
Groupage shipments are highly sensitive, requiring layered ENS submissions:
- Master ENS – filed by the carrier;
- House ENS – filed by each freight forwarder for their shipment;
- Data is linked in the system via unique reference numbers.
For transit shipments, previous and next customs regimes must be included to align ENS with transit documents.
Risks of Non-Compliance
- Financial penalties – fines vary by country but can reach thousands of euros per shipment.
- Cargo detention – missing or incomplete ENS data leads to border or terminal blocks.
- Reputational risk – delivery delays, loss of trust, or contract termination with key clients.
How N&N Transport Responds
Our company is ready for ICS2 implementation with:
- Electronic platforms integrated with ICS2 for real-time ENS filing and corrections;
- Expert teams – trained customs specialists and dispatchers familiar with requirements;
- Groupage processes – standardized SOPs for data collection and validation;
- Client transparency – reports and confirmation of ENS submission for each shipment.
Preparation Checklist
- Verify your company’s registration in ICS2.
- Define who submits ENS – forwarder, carrier, or customs broker.
- Ensure complete cargo data (HS code, weight, description, packaging).
- Update your data exchange software or secure access via a partner.
- Train your staff on ICS2 requirements.
- Review specific rules for groupage and transit.
Consult our team for full ICS2 readiness.
Contact us for a free audit of your data and processes before 1 September 2025.
