ENS/ICS2 Great Britain
Find out about ICS2 (Import Control System 2) and the ongoing requirements of ENS (Entry Summary Declaration – Great Britain) for goods imported into Great Britain.
What is ENS (Entry Summary Declaration – Great Britain)?
Since January 31, 2025, the United Kingdom has introduced GB ENS requirements, which include the transmission of advance information for goods imported into the UK from the EU. This is part of the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS), which aims to improve security and customs efficiency.
What information is required for the security declaration?
All importers must submit a security declaration before the goods arrive at the border. This requirement applies to all goods imported from the EU. The declaration must include the following information: description of the goods, origin of the goods, shipment details, importer details, all relevant shipping information (e.g., mode of transport), and security-related information in accordance with customs regulations.
Failure to submit the required declaration may result in delays in customs clearance, fines, or even confiscation of the goods. To avoid these consequences, it is important to comply with all requirements.
What is ICS2 (Import Control System 2)?
From September 1, 2025, the European Union introduced the ICS2 customs risk management system for road and rail freight transport. It replaces the previous Import Control System (ICS) and is intended to improve the security of goods entering the EU through enhanced collection and evaluation of import data, as well as contributing to the modernization of customs. It applies to all imports into the EU (except EFTA countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) and primarily affects road shipments from the United Kingdom, Turkey, and non-EU countries.
What information is required for ICS2 applications?
Carriers and importers must provide advance information about goods being shipped to the EU to enable customs authorities to perform a risk assessment. For ICS2, the importer's EORI code, a complete and accurate description of the goods, and the 6-digit HS code for correct classification of the goods are required.
Failure to comply with ICS2 can result in significant penalties, including fines, delays in the clearance of goods, and even the seizure of shipments. To avoid these consequences, it is essential that all parties involved comply with the regulations.
External links
ENS: Safety and security declaration requirements for importing goods from the EU - GOV.UK
ICS2: Import Control System 2 - European Commission & FAQ - European Commission
Please inform your customers and shipment recipients accordingly.
Please coordinate the transport of shipments in the cargo area (FTL/LTL) with the relevant contact person at your branch office.
Thank you very much for your understanding, we are looking forward to a continued good cooperation.