Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is the EU’s advanced cargo information system, which replaces ICS1. It is intended to gather Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) prior to the loading or arrival of goods, allowing for risk screening prior to loading or arrival.
The objective is to increase the security of the supply chain, stop illegal shipping, and facilitate legal trade.
All carriers must use ICS2 to submit ENS when bringing goods into or through the EU. This covers postal and express companies, road/rail carriers, shipping lines, and airlines. Freight forwarders and importers may also file on behalf of carriers, depending on contractual roles.
ICS2 launched in phases:
By September 1, 2025, ICS2 replaces ICS1 completely across all modes.
Key upgrades include:
You must have an EORI number, then access either the Shared Trader Portal (STP) or integrate via the Shared Trader Interface (STI). Before going live, you must complete mandated self‑conformance testing using EU technical guidance available on CIRCABC and the Commission’s website.
ICS2 enables targeted risk analysis prior to goods entering the EU chain, permitting customs to identify high-risk shipments early and request additional screening or deny loading if needed.
Yes, agents, freight forwarders, or IT providers may file on behalf, provided the roles and responsibilities are clearly documented and the EORI chain remains intact, commonly seen in multiple‑filing setups.
Multiple filing in Import Control System 2 (ICS2) allows different parties in the supply chain to submit parts of the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) separately. This is particularly useful for complex shipments where information is held by various actors, such as carriers, freight forwarders, and importers.
Instead of one entity holding all the data, multiple parties can file their respective parts, which are then linked together by the customs authorities.
ENS automation involves using AI to extract data from documents like commercial invoices or booking forms and auto-filling the ENS form based on predefined rules. Some platforms support direct submission to EU or UK customs systems under ICS2 or GB S&S regulations.
An ENS is a legally required, pre‐arrival/security declaration including details on the shipper, consignee, seller, buyer, product, HS codes, weight, seal numbers, and UCR, submitted electronically before goods are loaded or arrive in the EU. Customs uses it to perform safety and security risk analysis.
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All economic operators, carriers, freight forwarders, postal and express operators, NVOCCs, even importers, must file ENS for shipments entering or transiting the EU, including via Northern Ireland, Switzerland, and Norway.
Responsibility typically lies with the carrier (master ENS), but house filers may submit partial ENS if they don’t want to share the information with carriers.
Yes, ICS2 applies to all goods transiting the EU customs territory, including those not destined for the EU but passing through ports or airports in the EU, Northern Ireland, Norway, or Switzerland.
Even if no import declaration is needed, an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) must still be filed before the goods are loaded or arrive. The carrier, or an authorised representative, is responsible for ensuring timely ENS submission to avoid penalties or loading refusals.
No. Unlike traditional customs declarations based on value thresholds, all cargo, regardless of value or type (documents, samples, gifts), must be declared with full ENS data. Some diplomatic postal shipments may get exemptions, but these are rare and strictly defined.
ICS2 provides a deployment window, a flexible onboarding period granted by the customs authority that issued your EORI number. Operators must request this at least one month before intended go-live, but must be onboard and compliant by 1 September 2025, after which there’s no extension.
In the context of ICS2, the STI-STP system refers to the Shared Trader Interface (STI) and the Shared Trader Portal (STP). These systems enable economic operators (e.g., carriers, importers, and customs agents) to interact with the Import Control System 2.
The STI is a technical, system-to-system interface for automated data exchange, while the STP is a user-friendly, web-based platform that provides manual access to ICS2 via the EU Customs Trader Portal (EUCTP).
To use STI-STP, businesses must have a valid EORI number, register with national customs, and complete self-conformance testing. Together, STI and STP form the official gateway for submitting Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) and fulfilling ICS2 obligations.
Yes, Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) can be amended after submission, but only by the entity that initially lodged the declaration. Although changes can be made until the goods arrive at the country of destination, frequent or last-minute changes may necessitate further risk assessments.
The Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) must contain detailed shipment information to enable effective customs risk assessment. Required data includes:
Any additional data fields mandated by EU customs authorities based on the transport mode and routing.
The ENS comprises:
ICS2 enables pre‐arrival risk screening using advanced data analytics. Customs can issue Do Not Load (DNL) or Additional Info requests via IE3Q/IE3N message codes.
This allows interception of high-risk shipments before arrival, enhancing EU border security while enabling fast-track for compliant, low-risk cargo.
Mandatory IT testing ensures your system can send and receive ENS messages in the correct format, handle ICS2 notification messages, and meet data quality standards.
It is a required step before any business can begin using ICS2 to operate, so it is not optional for businesses importing goods into the EU.
Successful completion of self-conformance testing ensures that businesses are prepared to meet ICS2 requirements and avoid potential disruptions at the EU border
Businesses can obtain ICS2 test documents and resources from the Digital Europe Programme’s CIRCABC website.