Cross-channel trade is set to undergo a major regulatory shift from 31 December 2025, when road and rail freight logistics providers will no longer be authorised to lodge Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) in the ICS1 system.

From that date, ICS2 will be the sole platform available for safety and security filings.

From 1 January 2026, European Union customs will have the authority to refuse the entry of goods into the EU customs territory or initiate legal action where safety and security formalities have not been correctly submitted.

This change has significant implications for operators importing goods into the EU via the Smart Border with the United Kingdom. Affected flows include road transport using combined transport and unaccompanied trailers, ferry services, and rail shuttles through the Channel Tunnel.

To lodge ENS declarations in ICS2, operators must hold a valid EORI number, even if they are not established within the EU customs territory. The EORI must be requested from the Member State of establishment, or from any Member State for non-EU operators.

Once ENS filings begin in ICS2 for UK–EU smart border crossings, economic operators must also be able to create and use ELOs (Enveloppes Logistiques Obligatoires) for arrivals in France. The ELO acts as a digital port pass, consolidating all required customs and safety data into a single scannable barcode.

Drivers present this barcode at major RoRo ports such as Calais, Dunkirk and Le Havre, or at the Channel Tunnel terminal. Once scanned, French customs gain instant access to pre-validated information, significantly reducing border delays.

If you are not yet prepared for ICS2, Multifreight has developed a dedicated ICS2 module interfacing with a gateway provider – please contact us today for more details.