Starting September 1st, all road and rail freight shipments entering or transiting through the EU will be subject to new safety and security requirements known as ICS2. This change is part of the EU’s broader Safety and Security (S&S) initiative, which strengthens border protection for goods entering the region.

Under the ICS2 system, businesses will be required to submit an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) electronically before the goods reach the EU border. The equivalent S&SGB process is already in place for imports arriving into Great Britain from the EU.

The updated Import Control System (ICS2) will apply to shipments from Great Britain to the Republic of Ireland, mainland Europe, and any goods transiting through the EU on their way to a third country. Northern Ireland will also be included in these new procedures.

The ENS declaration must include detailed information such as valid EU EORI numbers, accurate descriptions of goods, and standard shipping details. Vague descriptions, like “parts,” will likely be rejected, causing the goods to be refused entry.

We strongly recommend that customers make themselves familiar with the new requirements ahead of September’s deadline. More details of these mandatory requirements can be found on the BIFA website here.