Understanding ICS2: Everything You Need to Know for Compliant Imports to and through the EU

Are your imports ready for the EU's stricter customs checks?

The European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is changing how goods are cleared for entry into its market. Whether you’re shipping by sea, air, or land, ICS2 introduces new rules that will impact how Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) are filed and evaluated. If you import goods to or transit through the EU, understanding ICS2 is essential to avoid disruptions, delays, or penalties. 

What Is ICS2 and Why Does It Matter? 

ICS2 is the EU’s pre-arrival safety and security system, designed to improve visibility and control over goods entering or transiting the EU. It replaces the older Import Control System (ICS1), and aims to address modern trade challenges like e-commerce growth and ever more complex supply chains. 

ICS2 applies to all modes of transport, including air, sea, inland waterways, road, and rail. Its phased rollout ensures that different types of economic operators (e.g., carriers, freight forwarders, and consignees) have time to prepare, but every importer must eventually comply. 

Why You Should Care: 

  • ICS2 aims to protect the EU’s single market by identifying high-risk goods before they arrive.
  • It requires more detailed and accurate data submissions, meaning that importers must collaborate closely with their supply chain partners.
  • Non-compliance can lead to shipment delays, rejection at customs, or even penalties. 

A Brief Timeline of ICS2 Rollout

ICS2 has been rolled out in three releases, each focusing on specific transport modes and operators: 

ICS2 Releases – Who do they apply to? 

ICS2

Release 1: March 15, 2021 

Focus: Air express and postal operators. 
Requirements: Submit ENS data for air shipments entering the EU. 

Release 2: March 1, 2023

Focus: General air cargo. 
Requirements: Extend ENS filing to all air freight operators. 

Release 3: June 3, 2024

Focus: Maritime, inland waterways, road, and rail shipments. 
Requirements: Cover ENS filings for all remaining transport modes. 

Important Deployment Windows: 

ICS2 requires staggered compliance based on deployment windows. Between June 3, 2024, and September 1, 2025, economic operators must connect to ICS2 during a time-limited deployment window. The deadlines depend on the operator’s role and transport mode: 

Nor ready within your deployment window? 

Economic operators not ready to start ENS filing by their ICS2 go-live date should contact the  National Service Desk where their EORI is registered to request a deployment window at least one month in advance. Details are available in the “ICS2 Release 3 Go-Live procedure for Economic Operators” on CIRCABC. 

How Does ICS2 Affect Importers? 

As an importer, ICS2 introduces stricter data requirements and filing responsibilities. Here’s what you need to know: 

More Detailed ENS Data Submissions: 

Each shipment requires a complete ENS, which includes: 

    • Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number.
    • Detailed information about the buyer, seller, consignor, consignee, and other parties.
    • Accurate 6-digit Harmonized System (HS) codes for all goods.
    • A clear and precise description of the goods. 

Collaboration with Supply Chain Partners: 

You must ensure carriers, freight forwarders, and other intermediaries have the data they need to submit ENS filings correctly and on time. 

Timing Is Critical: 

Data must be submitted well before goods arrive at the EU border. Missing deadlines can result in delayed shipments, additional inspections, or rejected filings. 

iCS2 Regulation Compliance   If you import goods to or transit through the EU, understanding ICS2 is essential to avoid disruptions, delays, or penalties.   ICS2 compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Contact Cargoo.  

What Happens If You Don’t Comply? 

Delays

Your goods may be held at customs, causing costly disruptions to your supply chain.

Rejection of ENS Filings

Incomplete or inaccurate filings will be rejected, requiring rework and delaying clearance.

Sanctions

Repeated non-compliance can result in financial penalties or additional inspections. 

Non-compliance is costly, but avoidable. By understanding the steps to prepare, you can ensure your shipments clear customs smoothly. 

How to Prepare for ICS2 Compliance 

Follow these steps to ensure your business is ready for ICS2: 

Verify Your EORI Number: 

  • If you’ve been importing to the EU for years, you likely already have an EORI number. Double-check that it’s active and up-to-date.
  • New to EU imports? Register for an EORI number through an EU Member State. Learn more here.

    • Upgrade Your Supply Chain IT Systems: 

  • Integrate your systems with ICS2 or work with a third-party provider to manage ENS filings.
  • Ensure your systems can handle the detailed data requirements for ICS2.

    • Define Filing Responsibilities: 

  • Collaborate with carriers and freight forwarders to determine who submits what data.
  • Establish clear contracts outlining filing responsibilities.

    • Conduct Mandatory Testing: 

    Perform self-conformance tests during your deployment window to validate system readiness.

    Train Your Teams: 

    Educate staff on ICS2 requirements and ensure they can manage updated processes effectively. 

    How Cargoo Simplifies ICS2 Compliance 

    Cargoo provides powerful tools to streamline ICS2 compliance for importers:

    • One Platform for All Needs: Users can input all ICS2-required data directly into Cargoo’s platform.
    • Streamlined and Accurate Input: Relevant shipment data is pre-filled, requiring users only to review, validate, and add missing details.
    • Efficient Data Transmission: Cargoo transmits complete data for carriers to file Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) with EU customs.

    By handling all steps in one system, Cargoo reduces manual effort and potential mistakes.  Users can trust the process to meet EU ICS2 regulations without additional tools, complex processes or preventable uncertainties.

    Download This Free ICS2 Compliance Guide

    Your step-by-step guide to ensuring ICS2 compliance.

    iCS2 Regulation Compliance guide     ICS2 compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming.  Our checklist can guide you through the process.