By Cadys Wang    Photo：CANVA

As of September 1, 2025, the European Union has officially completed the rollout of its Import Control System 2 (ICS2). With the final phase (Release 3) now in effect, road and rail shipments are fully integrated into the system—joining air, maritime, and postal modes already covered.

This milestone means that all goods entering or transiting the EU must be declared in advance through a standardized Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) before arrival, regardless of transport mode. ICS2 enables EU customs authorities to conduct pre-arrival risk assessments, identifying high-risk consignments early, strengthening border security, and streamlining legitimate trade.

Why ICS2 Matters to Shippers and Consignees

ICS2 is not just a technical upgrade, but a fundamental transformation in how the EU manages cargo security. For exporters, importers, and logistics providers, it directly affects daily operations:

• Mandatory Pre-Arrival Declarations: Every shipment requires ENS data submission before goods arrive in the EU.
• Advanced Risk Analysis: Customs will screen cargo at the data level before physical arrival, reducing potential border bottlenecks.
• End-to-End Supply Chain Impact: Compliance involves not only freight forwarders and carriers but also shippers and consignees, as accurate and timely data must originate at the source.

Key Compliance Requirements

To align with ICS2, companies must adapt their processes and systems:

• IT Integration: Internal platforms and electronic data interchange (EDI) systems must connect with ICS2 to handle ENS filings.
• Standardized Documentation: All shipment data must match ENS requirements—accurate HS codes, consignee/consignor details, and cargo descriptions are crucial.
• Operational Adjustments: Non-compliance can result in delays, fines, or even refusal of entry into the EU.

Transitional Flexibility

Although the system is live across the EU, several member states have received temporary derogations to provide businesses additional time to adapt their IT infrastructure. However, this is not a blanket exemption. Companies must verify requirements on a country-by-country basis, especially for multi-destination shipments across Europe.

Strategic Impact on Global Supply Chains

The full implementation of ICS2 reflects broader trends in trade and security:

• Stronger Border Protection: Heightened visibility into cargo flows reduces risks related to smuggling, counterfeits, and security threats.
• Harmonized EU Framework: A single platform replaces fragmented national systems, providing consistency for global shippers.
• Pressure on Non-EU Partners: Exporters in Asia, the U.S., and other regions must adjust to EU standards, reinforcing the EU’s role as a rule-setter in global trade compliance.

Action Points for Shippers and Consignees

To ensure smooth cargo flows into the EU, logistics stakeholders should act now:

1. Audit Data Quality: Review shipment documentation processes to ensure HS codes, consignee/shipper details, and cargo descriptions meet ICS2 standards.
2. Upgrade IT Connectivity: Ensure freight forwarders, customs brokers, and internal systems can transmit ENS filings directly to ICS2.
3. Coordinate with Partners: Align responsibilities across the supply chain—who files ENS, who provides data, and how discrepancies are resolved.
4. Monitor Country-Specific Rules: Stay updated on derogations and transitional arrangements at the EU member state level.

Final Thoughts

ICS2’s completion represents a decisive shift in EU trade compliance. For shippers and consignees, full compliance is now mandatory. Those who adapt quickly will benefit from smoother border crossings, reduced disruption risks, and enhanced trust with EU partners.

The message is clear: ICS2 compliance is no longer optional—it is the foundation for doing business in the EU market.

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