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EU ICS-2 Compliance Guide: Stay Ahead in Freight Forwarding

The Import Control System 2 (ICS-2) is the European Union’s next-generation pre-arrival security and safety program, replacing the original ICS framework. It affects all freight forwarders, carriers, postal operators, and express couriers handling shipments into or through the EU.
ICS-2 introduces new data requirements, submission protocols, and filing responsibilities — and non-compliance can mean delays, fines, or refusal of entry.
This guide gives you a full breakdown of what ICS-2 means, key deadlines, and a compliance checklist to keep your operation EU-ready.

Discover more

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What’s New with ICS-2?

ICS-2 isn’t just a name change — it introduces:

• 📄 Expanded ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) requirements
• 📬 Multiple filing option: direct, indirect, or by representative
• 🛰️ Real-time risk analysis by EU customs authorities
• 🔄 Pre-loading and pre-arrival data layers (PLACI + ENS)
• 🌐 Mandatory use of STI (Shared Trader Interface)

• 🛃 Early screening to detect security threats before loading or arrival

📌 Note: Phase 3 rollout is progressive, with optional deployment windows and grace periods by Member State.

Impact on Freight Forwarders

As a freight forwarder, you may now be responsible for:

• Submitting partial or full ENS filings

• Coordinating with airlines or consolidators
• Validating data quality (e.g., HS codes, consignee info)
• Managing rejections or “do not load” notifications from EU customs
• Ensuring software is ICS-2 certified or STI-connected

📉 Inaccurate or late submissions = delayed shipments or blocked clearance.

📌 Note: Phase 3 rollout is progressive, with optional deployment windows and grace periods by Member State.

ICS-2 Compliance Checklist

Make sure you’re ready with this actionable list:

🔧 Operational Readiness

• Identify affected shipments by mode and destination
• Train teams on new filing requirements
• Map out responsibilities (forwarder vs carrier)

💻 Technical Readiness

• Integrate with STI or via certified third-party software
• Validate your TMS/API supports ICS-2 formats
• Set up real-time alert monitoring for customs responses

📄 Data Quality

• Collect all 6-digit HS codes per line item
• Ensure consignee data is complete and accurate
• Structure house and master data for split filings

📥 Pro tip: Use digital tools to pre-validate ENS datasets before submission.

📌 Note: Phase 3 rollout is progressive, with optional deployment windows and grace periods by Member State.

ICS-2 Implementation Timeline (Phased Rollout)

Phase	Who’s Affected	Launch Date	Description
1️⃣	Express carriers & postal operators	March 15, 2021	Pre-loading advance data (PLACI) for air cargo
2️⃣	Air freight forwarders & airlines	March 1, 2023	Full ENS dataset submission via Shared Trader Interface (STI)
3️⃣	Maritime, road & rail operators	March 1, 2024 → March 2025	Sea and land mode filings; includes all logistics providers

📌 Note: Phase 3 rollout is progressive, with optional deployment windows and grace periods by Member State.

Common Filing Scenarios

• Direct filing: Forwarder submits full ENS independently
• Split filing: Carrier and forwarder submit parts of the ENS
• Third-party filing: A customs software provider handles submissions via STI

🛠️ Select a model that best fits your workflows and client needs.

Join us here

🏁 Conclusion: ICS-2 Is Here — Are You Ready?

ICS-2 is more than a customs update — it’s a new digital layer in EU border control.
Forwarders that act early can:

✅ Avoid shipment delays
✅ Ensure uninterrupted EU access
✅ Strengthen their position as compliance leaders

🎯 Call to Action

📘 Need a full compliance plan for your team or software provider?
Click below to access our detailed ICS-2 Freight Forwarding Guide with visuals, scenarios, and platform tips.

👉 [Download guide] and secure your EU shipments — now and next year.