Additional upcoming data requirements will be needed for EU or NI (XI) ENS to strengthen security at EU borders.
If you ship goods into the EU via rail, road or sea transport, then you will be affected by the up and coming ICS2 deployment.
Hauliers will need to provide additional information when submitting their entry summary declaration (ENS).
- For North Sea (Maritime filing), ICS2 has been in use for a number of months
- Road and rail carriers (RoRo filing) should connect between 1 Apr and 1 Sep 2025
Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for ICS2.
What is ICS2?
ICS2, or Import Control System 2, is the new & updated version of the EU ‘Import Control System’.
The security pre-arrival IT system is designed to improve safety and security at EU borders by providing the EU with additional information for risk assessment and allow the seamless processing of cargo information by hauliers.
What do hauliers need to know?
If you are transporting goods into the EU, you will need to provide additional data in your ENS declaration via ICS2 before your goods arrive at the border.
Once your ENS has been assessed, the relevant port authorities will determine: whether your goods can be cleared for entry, if further information is required, or if your goods should be denied entry into the EU.
Current ICS requirements
- Vehicle/trailer information
- Route details
- Journey date and time
- IMO (for IE or unaccompanied freight)
- Consignee and consignor details
- Description of goods / 4 digit commodity code
- Package information
What additional data is required for ICS2?
As above, ICS2 will bring about additional information requirements for ENS declarations.
The most important changes include:
1. 6-digit HS commodity code
The biggest change brought on by the deployment of ICS2 is the HS commodity code, which will need to be provided as 6 digits instead of 4.
Learn more about commodity codes
2. Haulier EU or XI EORI number
Another big change for your ENS declaration is the requirement of the haulier's EU or XI EORI number. GB hauliers will need to provide a valid EU or XI EORI number even if they do not have a legal base in the EU or Northern Ireland. You will only need to get one EU or XI EORI, which should be from the first customs territory you will enter after ICS2 is implemented.
3. Importer EU or XI EORI number
You must provide the importer EU or XI EORI number if they are a business.
Take a look at our ICS1 - ICS2 transition comparison guide for full details.
How can we help?
The new data requirements will result in hauliers devoting additional time and resources to complete their ENS declarations. This extra time can quickly add up, especially with multiple and regular EU imports.
But that’s where we come in. As a leading UK customs broker, our experts can help you streamline your customs processes whilst also helping you to remain compliant - saving your business both time and money.
If you want to know more about ICS2 and how your business can prepare, get in touch with us.
