IMPORT
CONTROL
SYSTEM 2
Import Control System 2, EU’s advanced electronic customs system for pre-arrival safety and security risk analysis. Replaces ICS that has been running for the last 15 years, and collects additional information about the import such as details of the carrier and countries of transit.
ICS2 - EU IMPORT CONTROL UPDATE
Introducing new obligations for transporters moving goods by sea, on the road, or by rail.
WHAT PROBLEM DOES IT SOLVES?
Identifies high-risk shipments before arrival, improving security and customs efficiency.
WHY ICS2 IS IMPORTANT?
The ICS2 centralises and enhances the EU’s advance cargo information requirements, helping customs better assess and manage safety and security risks before goods arrive, while ensuring more accurate data and smoother flow of legitimate trade.
OUR ICS2 SOLUTION
Step 1 - Provide shipment details
Enter key information during booking: route, registration number, transit countries, and your European EORI number.
Step 2 - Attach customs documents
Upload the required customs paperwork, such as EX1, T1, or Carnet ATA. In special cases, declarations can be created using a CMR document if cargo information is correct.
Step 3 - Fast declaration submission
Our system generates the ICS2 declaration in under a minute, and it is ready to submit within 10 minutes.
HOW DOES ICS2 WORK?
Thanks to AI, our solution makes managing your ICS2 easier while ensuring your operations remain efficient and cost-effective.
Enhanced security & risk analysis
ICS2 collects detailed safety and security data before goods reach EU borders, enabling customs to identify high‑risk shipments and coordinate targeted controls efficiently.
Mandatory pre‑arrival ENS filing
Economic operators must submit a complete Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) via ICS2 for all modes of transport (air, sea, road, rail) ahead of arrival, ensuring compliance with EU customs requirements.
Facilitates
legitimate trade
By harmonising data submission and risk management across Member States, ICS2 helps expedite legitimate cargo movements while safeguarding the internal market from potential threats.
OUR OTHER SOLUTIONS
Once the ICS2 has been correctly submitted, you can simplify your entry into the EU and book your ferry in one simple step. Move Expert also takes care of your compliance needs, including GMR, ENS GB, ELO, and HGV tax, ensuring smooth and fully compliant cross-border transport.
Book your freight ferry now and manage all requirements in one place.
ENS GB
The Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) for Great Britain supplies UK Customs with risk and safety data, submitted via the S&S GB system.
GMR
Goods Movement Reference consolidates all documents required to cross EU/UK border. Made in GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service)
HGV TAX
The HGV Levy is a mandatory UK road user charge that allows heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to legally operate on British roads.
ELO
The Mandatory Logistics Envelope (Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire) links all customs and ENS EU documents into a single barcode, streamlining border crossings.
ICS2 FAQ: For transport & freight companies
What is a GMR and why do I need it for freight ferries to/from the UK?
ICS2 (Import Control System 2) is the EU safety and security system that requires advance cargo information before goods enter the European Union. It allows EU customs authorities to perform risk assessments prior to arrival and is mandatory for most road, sea, rail, and air shipments entering the EU.
Is ICS2 mandatory for road transport and ferry freight?
Yes. Import Control System 2 is mandatory for goods transported by road or ferry into the EU. Carriers or their representatives must ensure that the required safety and security data is submitted before the truck reaches the EU border.
Who is responsible for submitting the ICS2 declaration?
In most cases, the carrier (transport company) is legally responsible for the Import Control System 2 filing. However, the declaration can be submitted by an authorised representative such as Move Expert on behalf of the haulier.
When must Import Control System 2 be submitted?
Import Control System 2 data must be lodged before arrival at the EU border. The exact timing depends on the mode of transport, but for road and ferry freight, the declaration must be accepted before the vehicle reaches the EU entry point.
What information is required for an ICS2 filing?
An Import Control System 2 declaration requires detailed shipment data including:
- EORI number
- Consignor and consignee details
- Commodity description (accurate and complete)
- HS codes (if required)
- Transport details (vehicle, route)
Incomplete or vague cargo descriptions are a common cause of rejection.
What happens if ICS2 is missing or rejected?
If the Import Control System 2 declaration is not submitted, rejected, or flagged for risk, the truck may be blocked at the EU border, subject to inspection, or refused entry. This can result in delays, storage costs, and contractual penalties.
What is the difference between ICS2 and ENS GB?
Import Control System 2 applies to goods entering the European Union, while ENS GB applies to goods entering Great Britain. Both are safety and security declarations, but they are filed in different systems and apply to different customs territories.
How can transport companies avoid ICS2 errors and border delays?
To avoid issues, transport operators should ensure complete cargo descriptions, correct EORI numbers, timely submission, and proper coordination between exporter, customs broker, and carrier. Move Expert provides professional Import Control System 2 declaration services to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely submissions, reducing the risk of disruptions at EU borders.
HOW TO BENEFIT FROM IT?
For more information regarding our ferry service or any other question you may have regarding MOVE EXPERT, contact our local team who are here to help you.
