Entry Summary Declaration: 2026 Guide to ENS Declaration for UK, Northern Ireland and EU
-
Freya Jane
- Director of Customer's Success
An ENS declaration, or Entry Summary Declaration, is a pre-arrival safety and security notification that must be submitted to UK or EU customs before goods cross the border. It is not an import duty declaration. It is a security check. In the UK, ENS declarations are submitted through HMRC S&S GB using iCustoms iWiz. In the EU and Ireland, they are submitted through ICS2 using iCustoms iAIS. Both systems are mandatory, and the carrier bears legal responsibility for filing.
If you are moving goods into the UK or the EU, you need to know about the ENS declaration. It became mandatory for all EU to UK imports on 31 January 2025, and it is now a legal requirement that applies to virtually every carrier and freight forwarder operating on UK and EU trade lanes.
This guide explains exactly what an ENS declaration is, who needs to submit one, what information you need, the deadlines for each transport mode, what happens if you miss it, and how to register for the right system. We have also included a full FAQ section for quick answers.
what is an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS)?
An ENS declaration, also called an Entry Summary Declaration or safety and security declaration, is a pre-arrival notification you send to customs before your goods reach the border. The customs authority uses it to run a risk assessment on your shipment before it arrives. If customs is satisfied, your goods can proceed. If they flag a risk, they may inspect the goods or, in serious cases, issue a Do Not Load order to stop the shipment at the point of origin.
The ENS contains information about the goods, who is sending them, who is receiving them, and how they are being transported. It does not cover import duties or taxes. Those are handled separately through a customs import declaration.
S&S GB and ENS EU filings are complex. Automate your compliance and eliminate border risk with iCustoms. Watch a Demo
ENS Declaration - Why was the ENS introduced and when did it become mandatory?
The ENS declaration system was already in use for non-EU shipments coming into the UK. After Brexit, the UK extended the requirement to cover goods arriving from the EU. The phased rollout concluded on 31 January 2025, when it became mandatory for all EU to Great Britain imports.
In the EU, the equivalent system is called ICS2 (Import Control System 2). It has been rolling out in phases since 2021 and became fully mandatory for all transport modes including road and rail on 1 April 2025.
Who Needs to Submit an ENS Declaration?
The legal responsibility for submitting an ENS lies with the carrier. The carrier is the company actually transporting the goods: the shipping line, airline, rail operator, or haulage company. Here is a breakdown by transport mode:
- The rail freight operator submits the ENS.Rail:
- The airline submits the ENS.Air:
- The shipping company or vessel operator submits the ENS.Sea:
- The haulage company or ferry operator submits the ENS.Road and RoRo:
- The active transport operator at the point of UK entry is responsible.Combined transport:
The carrier can delegate the submission to a customs agent, freight forwarder, or third-party software provider, but the legal responsibility always stays with the carrier. If the ENS is not submitted or contains errors, the carrier is the one who faces the fine.
If you are a shipper or importer, it is worth confirming with your carrier well in advance that they are registered for the S&S GB or ICS2 system and are ready to file. Do not assume they have this covered.
ENS Declaration for UK Imports: The S&S GB System
For goods entering Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales), ENS declarations are submitted through the HMRC Safety and Security GB system, known as S&S GB. This is a separate system from the standard Customs Declaration Service (CDS) that handles import duty declarations.
To use S&S GB, the person lodging the declaration must have a valid GB EORI number. A GB EORI number starts with the letters GB followed by a series of digits. If your business is not established in Great Britain, you can still get a GB EORI number specifically for the purpose of submitting ENS declarations.
- Import Control System (ICS2): For bringing goods into Northern Ireland and the EU
- Safety & Security Great Britain (S&S GB): For bringing goods into GB
How to register for S&S GB
- Go to the HMRC Government Gateway and sign in or create an account.
- Enrol for the Safety and Security GB (S&S GB) service.
- Make sure you have a GB EORI number. If you do not have one, apply for it before registering.
- Use compatible XML software to connect to the S&S GB system. The system does not have its own user interface. You must use approved third-party software or develop your own connection.
- It is recommended that you authorise more than one team member to submit declarations so there is no single point of failure in your compliance process.
Compatible software providers include customs software platforms, Community System Providers (CSPs).
ENS Common Data Errors UK
ENS common data errors UK traders and carriers face usually involve vague goods descriptions, missing EORI numbers, incorrect routing information, invalid date formats, and mismatched package or weight data. These errors can lead to rejected Entry Summary Declarations, Border Force delays, additional inspections, or Do Not Load instructions before goods enter Great Britain.
Many ENS rejections occur because businesses use generic descriptions such as “general cargo” or “parts” instead of clear commercial descriptions that support customs risk assessment. AI powered ENS filing software helps reduce these issues by validating shipment data before submission and automatically identifying missing or incorrectly formatted fields.
AI ENS Filing Tool for S&S GB Compliance
An AI ENS filing tool helps carriers and freight forwarders automate Entry Summary Declaration submissions into the HMRC S&S GB system. Instead of manually entering shipment data, AI powered software can extract information from bills of lading, invoices, and transport documents to reduce filing errors and speed up compliance workflows.
iCustoms provides an AI ENS filing tool that connects directly to S&S GB and EU ICS2 systems, enabling businesses to automate ENS submissions, validate data before filing, and manage UK and EU safety and security declarations from a single platform.
ENS Declaration for Northern Ireland and EU Countries Under ICS2 Requirements
ENS Declaration Ireland: Filing for UK-Ireland and Ireland-EU Trade
If you are moving goods between the UK and the Republic of Ireland, or into Ireland from outside the EU, ENS declaration requirements apply in ways that differ from the rest of the UK system. Ireland is an EU member state. This means ENS declarations for goods entering Ireland are submitted through ICS2, the EU Import Control System 2, not through HMRC S&S GB.
ENS for Goods Entering the Republic of Ireland
Goods entering the Republic of Ireland from the UK or from non-EU countries require an ENS submitted through ICS2. Irish customs uses the Automated Import System (AIS), administered by Revenue, the Irish customs authority. The ENS obligation rests with the carrier on the inbound leg. To file, you need an IE EORI number issued by Irish Revenue, not a UK GB EORI. ICS2 filing for Ireland became mandatory for all transport modes from 1 April 2025.
iCustoms iAIS provides direct connection to Irish Revenue AIS for ENS and customs declarations. Carriers and freight forwarders operating on UK-to-Ireland trade lanes can manage both S&S GB filings (for the UK leg) and ICS2 Irish filings (for the Ireland leg) from the iCustoms platform.
ENS for Goods Leaving Ireland Toward the UK
For goods moving from Ireland into Great Britain, the ENS obligation falls on the carrier on the UK inward leg. The UK S&S GB system requires a GB EORI number. Irish carriers operating routes from Dublin or Cork to UK ports need to register for S&S GB separately from their Irish customs credentials. iWiz supports this requirement for Irish carriers filing into S&S GB.
Customs Declarations for Ireland: Beyond ENS
An ENS declaration is separate from an Irish customs declaration. For goods entering Ireland commercially, two filings are typically required: an ENS through ICS2 (safety and security) and a full customs import declaration through the Irish AIS system (for duty and VAT). iCustoms iAIS handles both. For Irish exporters, the equivalent is the Automated Export System (AES). If you need guidance on full Irish customs declarations rather than just ENS filing, see our guide to Irish customs declarations.
ENS Declaration - When do I need to submit an ENS?
There are different time limits to submit an Entry Summary Declaration based on the shipping or transport mode you use.
ENS Filing - Who should Declare an ENS?
The ENS submission is a legal requirement of the carrier, who is the operator of the transport by which the goods are being carried.
Goods moving by rail
The carrier is a rail freight operator that transports goods by rail and will be responsible for submitting an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS).
Goods moving by air
The airline must submit an ENS if goods are transported by air.
Goods moving by sea
Submitting and ENS is the responsibility of the shipping company for the goods transported by sea.
Goods moving by roll-on roll-off (RoRo)
There are usually two carriers when the goods are transported by RoRo:
- The haulage company: For the accompanied goods declaration
- The ferry operator: For the unaccompanied goods declaration
Goods moving by combined transport
For combined transport (for instance, a truck carried on a ferry), the operator of the active transport on arrival in the UK is responsible for filing an ENS.
If the ferry carries the driver-accompanied truck and will drive off when it arrives in the UK, the ENS submission will be the obligation of the trucking company.
If the ferry carries an unaccompanied container or trailer, the active means of transport is the ferry, and it will be responsible for an ENS submission.
No More Manual ENS Declarations.
Let iCustoms automate document extraction and ENS filing, transforming complex workflows.
S&S GB vs ICS2: What is the Difference?
Both systems serve the same purpose, but they are entirely separate. You cannot use one in place of the other, and data entered in one is not shared with the other. If you are trading with both Great Britain and Northern Ireland or the EU, you may need to register for and file separately into both systems.
| Feature | S&S GB (Great Britain) | ICS2 (Northern Ireland / EU) |
| What it covers | England, Scotland, Wales | Northern Ireland + all EU member states |
| EORI number required | GB EORI number | XI EORI (NI) or EU member state EORI |
| Mandatory from | 31 January 2025 | Phased: air/sea (2021), road/rail (April 2025) |
| Submission platform | HMRC S&S GB portal | EU ICS2 system (CIRCABC documents) |
| Are they interoperable? | No | No. Same data must be entered separately |
| Who is responsible? | The carrier (transport operator) | The carrier or authorised representative |
Who should submit an ENS?
Entry Summary Declaration is required to be submitted prior to importing goods into the GB and NI to ensure the safety and security of the goods and facilitate smooth entry.
Here are the key steps involved in submitting an ENS:
1. Determine the appropriate service
- S&S GB for GB imports
- ICS2 for NI imports
2. Gather the required information and documents
You will need the following information about the goods:
- Commodity code or goods description
- Consignee and consignor
- Types and number of goods
- Packaging of the goods
- Mode of transport
You may also need some additional documents or licenses, such as:
- Import license
- Certificate of origin
- Health certificate
3. Submit your declaration
When importing in the GB, you will need to know the Safety and Security location code for the entry port to submit an ENS. Once your declaration is accepted, you will receive a movement reference number.
In the case of moving goods through a port without an inventory-linked system, you will need to use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) to generate a reference number.
4. Await assessment and possible course of action
Your Entry Summary Declaration will go under the safety and security assessment, and the Border Force will identify the shipments they want to either hold or proceed.
If your goods are identified as high-risk, you’ll get a “Do Not Load” message from the Border Force, and they will instruct you on what to do next.
5. Making amendments
You must be sure about the accuracy and completion of the ENS declaration before submission. However, you can make an amendment even after submission. You can make changes to the declaration until it reaches the point of arrival.
By deliberately following these steps, you can ensure a smooth import process for goods into the UK.
Understand how Destin8 supports cargo clearance and CDS filings across UK ports. Read our detailed guide to Destin8 login codes and system access.
What Information Do You Need for an ENS Declaration?
The ENS declaration requires three categories of data: mandatory fields that must be completed on every declaration, conditional fields that apply only in certain situations, and optional fields you may include but are not required to.
The 20 Mandatory Fields for ENS Declarations
When filling out the ENS declaration form, these 20 fields must be completed for every entry summary declaration without exception:
| Field | Level | Notes |
| Local Reference Number (LRN) | Header | Unique reference you assign. Up to 22 characters. |
| Consignor (seller/dispatcher) | Header or Item | Name, address, and EORI of the party sending the goods |
| Consignee (buyer/receiver) | Header or Item | Name, address, and EORI of the party receiving the goods |
| Person Lodging Declaration | Header | Must be a valid GB EORI number of the person filing |
| Country Routing Codes | Header | ISO 2-letter country codes in order from origin to UK |
| Mode of Transport | Header | Sea = 1, Road = 3, Air = 4, RoRo = 10 |
| Identity of Transport | Header | IMO number for ships, vehicle registration for road |
| Customs Office of First Entry | Header | 8-character code for the UK port or airport of arrival |
| Expected Arrival Date and Time | Header | Format: YYYYMMDDHHMM (GMT timezone) |
| Place of Loading | Header or Item | Where goods were loaded. Must start with country code. |
| Place of Unloading | Header or Item | First UK unloading point. Must start with country code. |
| Goods Description | Item | Plain language. ‘Miscellaneous’ and ‘FAK’ are rejected. |
| Type of Packages | Item | 2-letter code: CT = carton, PL = pallet, BX = box |
| Number of Packages | Item | Count of external packages (not bulk goods) |
| Goods Item Number | Item | Sequential: 1, 2, 3. Auto-assigned by system. |
| Gross Mass | Item + Header | Total weight in kg including packaging, excluding container |
| Seal Number | Header | Customs seal number. Write ‘No Seal’ if none present. |
| Transport Document Number | Item | Bill of lading, airway bill, or CMR reference number |
| Transport Charges Payment Method | Header or Item | A = cash, B = credit card, H = electronic transfer |
| Declaration Date and Time | Header | Assigned by the system when you submit |
What Happens After You Submit an ENS: MRN, Status Codes, and Amendments
Once you submit your ENS declaration, the system immediately assigns a Movement Reference Number (MRN). Your MRN is proof of submission. Keep it. If customs or your port operator requests evidence that an ENS was filed, the MRN is what you show them. iWiz stores every MRN automatically in your submission history.
After submission, your ENS will return one of three statuses. Accepted means customs is satisfied and your goods can proceed. Risk assessment pending means customs is running a detailed check and you may need to wait before loading. Rejected means there is an error in your declaration and you must correct and resubmit before the relevant deadline. Common rejection reasons include vague goods descriptions, missing EORI numbers, and incorrectly formatted dates.
You can amend most fields on a submitted ENS provided the goods have not yet arrived at their UK destination. You cannot cancel an ENS once submitted. You cannot change the identity of the person who lodged the declaration. If your goods are already in transit and you discover an error, contact the relevant customs authority directly. The MRN will identify your specific declaration.
The 8 Conditional Fields
These fields are only required in specific circumstances:
- Required for express operators and fast parcel services, or when commercial tracking is needed.Unique Consignment Reference (UCR):
- Required if the person filing the ENS is not the carrier themselves.Carrier Details:
- Required when the bill of lading is marked ‘to order’ with special mention code 10600.Notify Party:
- Required for sea, air, and rail. Not required for RoRo or road transport.Conveyance Reference:
- Required only for unpackaged goods.Number of Pieces:
- Required for packaged goods that are not in a freight container.Shipping Marks and Numbers:
- Required if goods are containerised or in an unaccompanied trailer.Container Number:
Required if the goods are classified as hazardous. Use the 4-digit code, for example 1263 for flammable paint.UN Dangerous Goods Code:
Goods Description: What is Acceptable and What is Not
The goods description field is one of the most common causes of rejection. The system will automatically reject vague descriptions. Here are some examples:
| Rejected (Too Vague) | Accepted (Specific Enough) |
|---|---|
| Miscellaneous | Men’s cotton shirts |
| General cargo | Industrial steel pipe fittings |
| Parts | Automotive brake pads for passenger vehicles |
| Accessories | Leather handbag straps |
| Electronics | Laptop computers, 15-inch screen |
| FAK (Freight All Kinds) | Mixed household goods: chairs, lamps, cushions |
ENS Declaration Deadlines by Transport Mode
The time you need to submit your ENS declaration depends entirely on how the goods are being transported. Missing the deadline by even one hour can result in your goods being held at the border or a Do Not Load instruction being issued before your shipment even departs.
| Transport Mode | Submission Deadline | System | Who Submits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maritime (containerised) | 24 hours before loading at port of departure | S&S GB | Shipping line / carrier |
| Short Sea / RoRo (accompanied) | 2 hours before arrival at UK port | S&S GB | Ferry operator or haulage company |
| Road (via Channel Tunnel) | 1 hour before arrival at Coquelles | S&S GB | Haulage company |
| Rail | 1 to 2 hours before arrival (journey dependent) | S&S GB | Rail freight operator |
| Air freight | Before loading (pre-load) and before arrival | S&S GB | Airline |
| EU to Northern Ireland (all modes) | Same pre-arrival timelines as above | ICS2 | Carrier or authorised rep |
| EU Road / Rail (entering EU) | Pre-arrival (from April 2025 mandatory) | ICS2 | Carrier or authorised rep |
Note: All date and time fields in ENS declarations must use GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), not local time. This applies to submissions from any country.
Who is exempt from ENS Declaration Submission?
Not all shipments require an ENS declaration. The following are exempt:
- Qualifying Northern Ireland goods moving to Great Britain (under the Windsor Framework unfettered access arrangements)
- Electrical energy transmitted via power cables
- Goods transported by pipeline (for example, natural gas or oil)
- Letters, postcards, and printed matter that fall within the Universal Postal Union (UPU) framework
- Personal luggage carried by travellers for their own use
- Goods that are the subject of an oral customs declaration (for example, low-value personal items)
- Goods moving under certain diplomatic or military exemptions
If you are importing from the Isle of Man, note that the ENS waiver that previously applied there expired on 31 January 2025. Isle of Man to Great Britain shipments now require a standard ENS declaration.
What Happens if You Do Not Submit an ENS Declaration?
Failing to submit an ENS declaration, or submitting one that contains errors, can have serious consequences for your shipment and your business.
ENS Declaration Penalties and Fines
Under UK law, HMRC can issue financial penalties for non-compliance with ENS requirements. For a first offence, you may receive a warning letter. For repeated or serious breaches, the fine can reach up to £2,500 per declaration. This applies to the carrier who is legally responsible for the ENS filing.
In addition to fines, you may also face penalties for providing inaccurate or misleading information in the declaration, even if a declaration was technically submitted on time.
Do Not Load Orders
One of the most disruptive outcomes of a missing or rejected ENS is a Do Not Load order. When UK customs processes your ENS and identifies a risk, or when no ENS has been filed, they have the power to issue a Do Not Load instruction to the carrier. This means your goods cannot be loaded onto the vessel, truck, or plane until the issue is resolved. For maritime shipments, this is issued before the vessel departs, meaning your goods could be left on the dock at the port of origin.
Goods Held or Refused Entry
If an ENS is missing when goods arrive at a UK port, customs may hold the shipment for further investigation. In the most serious cases, entry into Great Britain can be refused entirely. This can create significant knock-on costs: storage fees, demurrage charges, and supply chain disruption for your customers.
ENS Deadline by Transport Mode UK
ENS deadline by transport mode UK requirements vary depending on whether goods move by sea, road, rail, air, or RoRo freight. UK Border Force uses Entry Summary Declaration data to complete pre arrival security screening before goods reach Great Britain, which means carriers and operators must submit ENS filings within strict transport specific timelines to avoid delays, inspections, or Do Not Load instructions.
ENS for Sea Freight Maritime
ENS for sea freight maritime movements normally requires submission before the vessel departs or within specific pre arrival windows depending on whether the shipment is containerised, deep sea, or short sea cargo. Shipping lines and vessel operators are legally responsible for ensuring the ENS is submitted correctly and on time before goods enter UK customs territory.
ENS for Accompanied Freight RoRo
ENS for accompanied freight RoRo shipments operates differently because responsibility can fall on either the haulage company or the ferry operator depending on whether the trailer is accompanied or unaccompanied. For UK cross Channel freight, accompanied trucks generally require the haulage operator to manage ENS compliance before arrival at the UK border.
ENS for Rail Freight UK
ENS for rail freight UK movements must be submitted before the train arrives at the point of entry into Great Britain or the EU customs territory. Rail freight operators are responsible for transmitting shipment and routing data within the required timeline to support Border Force and customs risk assessment procedures.
What Is ENS in Customs?
What is ENS in customs is one of the most common questions businesses ask after Brexit and the introduction of mandatory UK and EU pre arrival security filing rules. An Entry Summary Declaration, or ENS, is a safety and security declaration submitted before goods arrive at the border so customs authorities can assess shipment risk before entry.
ENS Border Force Risk Assessment UK
ENS Border Force risk assessment UK procedures use shipment data, routing information, goods descriptions, consignor details, and transport references to identify high risk cargo before arrival. If Border Force identifies a potential security concern, customs authorities may request additional checks, inspections, or issue a Do Not Load instruction before the shipment departs.
Carrier Legal Responsibility ENS Submission
Carrier legal responsibility ENS submission rules mean the transport operator moving the goods into Great Britain or the EU is legally accountable for ensuring the Entry Summary Declaration is filed correctly and on time. Although carriers can authorise customs agents or intermediaries to submit declarations, liability for inaccurate or missing ENS data still remains with the carrier.
ENS for EU Imports to Great Britain
ENS for EU imports to Great Britain became fully mandatory from 31 January 2025 under the UK Safety and Security GB regime. Businesses transporting goods from the EU into England, Scotland, or Wales must ensure Entry Summary Declaration data is submitted before arrival so HMRC and Border Force can complete pre arrival safety and security checks.
EU ENS vs ENS UK Difference
EU ENS vs ENS UK difference mainly comes down to the customs system used and the jurisdiction receiving the goods. Great Britain uses the HMRC Safety and Security GB platform, while Northern Ireland and EU member states use ICS2 under the European Commission framework. Businesses operating on both UK and EU trade lanes may therefore need to file into two separate systems.
Ferry Operator ENS Responsibility UK
Ferry operator ENS responsibility UK requirements apply mainly to unaccompanied freight movements where the ferry becomes the active means of transport entering Great Britain. In these cases, the ferry operator may carry legal responsibility for ensuring the ENS declaration is submitted before arrival at the UK port.
How to Submit Entry Summary Declaration
How to submit entry summary declaration filings depends on whether the shipment is entering Great Britain through S&S GB or entering the EU and Northern Ireland through ICS2. Businesses typically use compatible ENS software, XML connectivity, EDI integration, or customs intermediaries to transmit shipment data electronically before goods reach the border.
How to File ENS in EU ICS2
How to file ENS in EU ICS2 starts with registering for the ICS2 system using an XI or EU EORI number and ensuring all required H1 dataset information is available before submission. Carriers, freight forwarders, and house level filers must provide shipment, routing, HS code, and consignee data through compatible ICS2 filing software or approved customs platforms.
EU Entry Summary Declaration Guide
How to Submit an ENS Declaration: Step by Step
Here is a simple walkthrough of the full ENS submission process for the UK S&S GB system:
- Apply at gov.uk if you do not already have one. This is a prerequisite for registering with S&S GB.Get your GB EORI number.
- Sign in to Government Gateway and enrol for the Safety and Security GB service.Register for S&S GB.
- Select a compatible XML-based software provider to connect to S&S GB. iCustoms, Customs Declarations UK, and Community System Providers (CSPs) such as MCP, CNS, and CCS-UK are all options.Choose your software.
- Collect all mandatory field data from your bill of lading, commercial invoice, and transport documents.Gather your shipment data.
- Enter the data into your software and submit before the relevant deadline for your transport mode.Submit the ENS.
- Once accepted, you will receive an MRN. Keep this as proof of submission.Receive your Movement Reference Number (MRN).
- HMRC processes your ENS and assesses risk. If all is in order, your goods are cleared to proceed.Customs runs a risk assessment.
You can amend most fields after submission as long as the goods have not yet arrived at their destination. You cannot cancel an ENS once submitted, and you cannot change the identity of the person who lodged it.If needed, amend the declaration.
ENS Declaration for Northern Ireland: What You Need to Know
Northern Ireland has its own ENS rules that are different from the rest of the UK. Because Northern Ireland remains aligned with EU customs rules under the Windsor Framework, ENS declarations for goods entering Northern Ireland from the EU are submitted through ICS2, not S&S GB.
- You need an XI EORI number (starting with XI) or an EU member state EORI to submit into ICS2 for Northern Ireland.
- The transition from the old ICSNI system to ICS2 for road movements was required to be completed by 31 December 2025. From 1 January 2026, all Northern Ireland ENS declarations must go through ICS2.
- Goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain generally do not require an ENS declaration, as they benefit from unfettered access arrangements.
- HMRC recommends using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) for road shipments into Northern Ireland to streamline the process, though GVMS is not mandatory for ENS submission.
How to Choose ENS Declaration Software
ENS declarations cannot be filed through a manual portal or a paper form. Both S&S GB and ICS2 require electronic submission via XML-compatible software that connects directly to HMRC or the European Commission systems. Choosing the right software matters because it determines how quickly you can file, how often you face rejections, and whether your team is doing manual data entry or letting automation handle it.
Use these six criteria to evaluate any ENS software provider:
| Evaluation Criterion | Why It Matters | iCustoms (iWiz + iAIS) Position |
|---|---|---|
| Does it cover both S&S GB and ICS2? | Operators on UK and EU trade lanes need both systems. Single-system tools create a two-software problem. | iWiz covers S&S GB and ICS2. iAIS covers Irish customs and ICS2. Both from one platform. |
| Does it use AI to extract data from shipping documents? | Manual data entry into 20 mandatory fields per declaration creates errors and delays. AI extraction eliminates keying. | iCustoms IDP reads bills of lading, airway bills, and CMR documents automatically and populates all fields. |
| Does it validate before submission? | Submissions with vague goods descriptions or missing EORI numbers are automatically rejected. Pre-submission validation prevents this. | iWiz validates all 20 mandatory fields and flags vague descriptions before transmission to HMRC or EC. |
| Does it cover Ireland? | UK-Ireland trade lanes require both S&S GB (UK side) and ICS2 via AIS (Irish side). Few providers cover both. | iAIS provides full Irish AIS, AES, and ICS2 coverage for Irish and UK-to-Ireland operators. |
| Does it store MRNs and provide an audit trail? | HMRC can request evidence of ENS compliance. An automated MRN log prevents compliance gaps. | iWiz stores every MRN automatically. Exportable audit trail available. |
| What is the onboarding timeline? | Enterprise platforms take months to implement. Carriers with immediate compliance deadlines need rapid onboarding. | iCustoms clients have gone live with ENS filing within days. No months-long implementation project. |
How iCustoms Automates ENS Filing with iWiz and iAIS
iCustoms provides two ENS filing products depending on which system you need to file into. iWiz connects directly to HMRC S&S GB for UK imports and to EU ICS2 for EU and Northern Ireland imports. iAIS connects to Irish Revenue AIS for goods entering the Republic of Ireland. Both products are powered by iCustoms Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) technology, which reads your shipping documents and populates ENS fields automatically.
Here is what iWiz and iAIS do for you:
- Automatic document reading: iCustoms IDP reads your bills of lading, airway bills, commercial invoices, and CMR notes and extracts all data needed for the 20 mandatory ENS fields without manual keying.
- Direct S&S GB and ICS2 submission: Once the data is verified, iWiz submits the completed ENS declaration directly to HMRC S&S GB or EU ICS2 on your behalf. iAIS does the same for Irish Revenue AIS.
- Pre-submission validation: Both products validate your data before transmission. Vague goods descriptions, missing EORI numbers, incorrect date formats, and field-level errors are flagged before the declaration reaches HMRC or the EC.
- MRN storage and audit trail: Every submission returns an MRN which is stored automatically. Your full declaration history is available for HMRC audit or internal review at any time.
- Multi-client filing: Freight forwarders filing ENS on behalf of multiple carrier clients can manage separate carrier EORI assignments within one platform account.
- Team access with role controls: Multiple team members can be authorised to submit and review declarations. This eliminates the single-point-of-failure risk if your primary filer is unavailable.
iCustoms also provides iCheck for denied party screening before submission, iNCTS for transit declarations alongside ENS, and iZap for UK CDS import declarations. Carriers needing a complete compliance platform can manage ENS, transit, and import declarations from one system.
Frequently Asked Questions About ENS Declarations
These are the questions we hear most often about ENS declarations. If you have a question that is not covered here, the iCustoms team can help.
Start your stress-free ENS filing today. Let our experts handle your submissions for guaranteed compliance.
You may also like:
Struggling to Extract, Catagorise & Validate Your Documents?
Capture & Upload Data in Seconds with AI & Machine Learning
Subscribe to our Newsletter
About iCustoms
iCustoms is an all-in-one solution helping businesses automate customs processes more efficiently. With AI-powered and machine-learning capabilities, iCustoms is designed to streamline your all customs procedures in a few minutes, cut additional costs and save time.
Struggling to Extract, Catagorise & Validate Your Documents?
Capture & Upload Data in Seconds with AI & Machine Learning