HMRC has issued an update on the implementation of ICS2 (Import Control System 2) for goods moving by road and rail, including RoRo movements, from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

Originally, all road movements were expected to migrate to ICS2 by 1 September 2025, marking the end of the deployment window.

However, due to wider readiness issues across ICS2 territories and specific challenges for Northern Ireland trade flows, HMRC has confirmed that businesses will be given additional time. The final mandatory deadline will be no later than December 2025.

A key part of this transition is the Trader Interface Micro Service (TIMS), designed to handle ICS2 Arrival and Presentation notifications for RoRo traffic. TIMS was initially due to go live in September, but HMRC has now delayed its launch to later in the year, allowing for a phased, “soft” rollout.

In the meantime, traders already able to file Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) into ICS2 should continue doing so.

However, Arrival and Presentation notifications for goods moving via GVMS will not be required until TIMS is operational. Businesses should maintain existing processes, including arrivals via CDS or other customs systems, until further notice.

HMRC has committed to publishing a revised timeline for TIMS during September.