ICS2 Compliance Checklist 2026: Steps for Smooth EU Security Filing

The EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) Checklist is set to become mandatory from 1 January 2026, transforming how goods enter the Union. Meeting the new pre-arrival filing requirements is critical for the business involved in import export and freight forwarding. Failure to comply can lead to shipment delays, fines, or rejected entries.

This blog provides a comprehensive ICS2 compliance checklist, highlights the challenges you may face as a carrier, importers, Freight Forwarders, and explains how iCustoms can help streamline compliance.

What is a Checklist?

A checklist is a simple, organised list that lists tasks you need to complete to ensure nothing is missed. For ICS2 compliance checklist, it acts as a step-by-step guide for teams managing shipments, declarations, and ENS filings.

Why ICS2 Compliance Checklist Matters for international traders

ICS2 Phase 3 is the final rollout in the ICS2 timeline, taking effect on 31 December 2025. Unlike previous phases, it extends pre-arrival security filings to all transport modes, including road, rail, and sea. Compliance is no longer optional — businesses that fail to submit accurate, complete data risk delays, additional inspections, and extra costs.

Early preparation is key to ensuring a smooth EU import process and maintaining supply chain efficiency.

Why it's important for businesses that involved in international trade:

For businesses involved in international trade, this update is critical because:

  • All goods entering the EU now require complete, accurate ENS data before arrival — no exceptions.
  • More data elements are mandatory, including HS codes, detailed product descriptions, EORI numbers, routing details, and house-level information.
  • Legacy ICS1 systems will be fully retired, meaning businesses must upgrade processes, systems, and coordination methods to meet ICS2 standards.
  • Multi-filer coordination becomes essential, as multiple parties may be responsible for different parts of the ENS.
  • Non-compliance has stronger consequences — delays, rejections, inspections, fines, and operational disruptions.
  • Road and rail operators (including UK–EU hauliers) must now manage digital, data-driven compliance rather than relying on physical documentation.
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Essential Steps for Accurate ICS2 Compliance

Essential Steps for Accurate ICS2 Compliance

1. Create a List that Defines Filing Responsibilities

Before submitting any ENS, it’s crucial to clarify who is responsible for each filing task. Proper assignment avoids confusion and ensures accountability.

  • Assign ENS submission duties to carriers, forwarders, and importers.
  • Clarify master-level vs house-level filing roles.
  • Document multi-filer agreements to prevent misunderstandings.

2. Validate the Data Elements

Accurate data is the backbone of ICS2 compliance. Ensure all shipment information is complete and precise before submission.

  • Verify accurate 6-digit HS codes for all items.
  • Provide detailed, item-specific descriptions.
  • Include shipper, consignee, and EORI numbers.
  • Record transport mode, routing, and container/trailer identifiers.

3. Review Documentation Requirements

Collecting and reviewing all relevant documentation helps prevent errors and delays at EU borders.

  • Check invoices, packing lists, and transport documents for accuracy.
  • Ensure alignment with the ICS2 pre-arrival filing process.
  • Maintain an audit log for documentation checks.

4. Prepare ENS Submission

Proper preparation is key to a smooth filing process and avoiding ENS rejections.

  • Test ENS submissions through your system or iCustoms.
  • Confirm multi-filer coordination works seamlessly.
  • Correct rejected entries promptly.

5. Perform Validation Checks

Double-checking your data reduces mistakes and ensures compliance with EU rules.

  • Conduct internal ICS2 data validation checks.
  • Spot-check high-risk consignments.
  • Use automation to reduce human errors and accelerate filing.

6. Check the Automation & Monitor the task

Automation streamlines repetitive tasks and allows teams to focus on exception handling.

  • Track submissions in real time.
  • Integrate ERP/WMS systems for automatic data feeds.
  • Train staff to monitor alerts and exceptions efficiently.

7. Ensure Compliance that Aligns Teams & Processes

Maintaining consistent workflows across your organisation ensures everyone follows ICS2 requirements.

  • Verify all departments follow ICS2 workflows.
  • Confirm responsibilities between importers, carriers, and forwarders.
  • Document processes for audits and internal checks.

8. Identify High-Risk Shipments

Proactively identifying complex or high-risk shipments helps reduce delays and penalties.

  • Spot shipments with complex routing or incomplete data.
  • Flag consignments for extra review before submission.

9. Verify ENS Accuracy Before Submission

A final verification step ensures that all data is correct and complete.

  • Double-check HS codes, UCR numbers, and consignee details.
  • Validate transport modes, container/trailer IDs, and supporting documents.

10. Audit Previous ENS Submissions

Auditing past submissions helps identify recurring issues and prevent repeated mistakes.

  • Review past submissions for patterns of errors.
  • Update internal processes to prevent recurrence.

With iCustoms, you can reduce errors, speed up filing, and maintain full compliance with the ICS2 checklist. Whether you are a compliance manager ensuring audit readiness, an importer managing documentation, or a forwarder coordinating multi-filer submissions, iCustoms provides the features to streamline operations and stay ahead of deadlines.

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Final Thoughts

ICS2 Compliance checklist represents a major step forward in EU import security, and compliance will soon be non-negotiable for all road, rail, and sea shipments. By understanding the challenges, leveraging solutions like iCustoms, and following the ICS2 Phase 3 Compliance Checklist , your team can ensure shipments move smoothly, avoid fines, and maintain supply chain efficiency.

The key is preparation, validation, and automation. Start early, coordinate with all partners, and use available to turn ICS2 compliance from a burden into a competitive advantage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is ICS2 in the EU?

ICS2 (Import Control System 2) is the EU’s electronic pre-arrival security system. It requires importers, freight forwarders, and carriers to submit Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) before goods enter the EU. Phase 3, starting in 2025, extends these requirements to all transport modes (road, rail, and sea) and applies stricter data standards.

Is ICS2 required for the UK?

While the UK is no longer part of the EU, UK exporters and forwarders sending goods to the EU must comply with ICS2 Phase 3 rules for EU-bound shipments. This ensures smooth customs clearance and avoids delays or rejected entries.

What is the new ICS2 regulation?

The new ICS2 regulation (Phase 3) requires all goods entering the EU to have house-level Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) submitted before arrival. It covers road, rail, and sea shipments, mandates accurate data like HS codes, EORI numbers, and detailed product descriptions, and aims to enhance security, streamline customs, and reduce non-compliance risks.

Which countries require ICS2?

All EU member states require ICS2 compliance for imported goods from outside the EU, including shipments from the UK. Phase 3 ensures standardised pre-arrival data submission across all EU countries.

How much is the ICS2 fee?

There is no fee charged directly by the EU for ICS2 submission. Costs come from:

  • Using customs platform (e.g., iCustoms)
  • Paying service fees to freight forwarders or carriers for ENS submissions
  • Internal compliance resources (staff, training, audits)

Which country has ICS2?

ICS2 is mandatory across all EU member states. Non-EU exporters, UK hauliers, and forwarders sending goods to EU countries must comply with ICS2 Phase 3.

What are the new EU rules for British tourists?

British tourists shipping personal goods or small imports to the EU are generally not directly affected by ICS2, as it applies to commercial imports. However, businesses sending goods on behalf of customers must ensure full compliance with ICS2 Phase 3.

What does ICS2 stand for?

ICS2 stands for Import Control System 2, the EU’s pre-arrival security system for all imported goods entering the EU.

What is the new ICS2 regulation?

The new ICS2 regulation (Phase 3) requires:

  • Submission of house-level ENS data for all goods
  • Coverage for road, rail, and sea shipments
  • Compliance with pre-arrival deadlines

Use of validated data elements (HS codes, EORI numbers) It aims to increase security, streamline customs, and reduce non-compliance risks.

What are the penalties for ICS2?

Penalties for non-compliance vary by country but may include:

  • Delays at border crossings
  • Inspections or holds on shipments
  • Fines or administrative sanctions
  • Rejection of ENS submissions, which can disrupt supply chains

iCustoms helps businesses reduce errors and avoid penalties with pre-validation, multi-filer coordination, and audit-ready reporting.

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