Shippers moving goods between Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the EU are entering a new season of change. With fresh rules, staggered rollouts, and added checks at the border, the next few months will demand planning and flexibility.
What’s Changing?
ICS2 Release 3 – a split start
The EU’s Import Control System 2 is live for road and rail, but not every country is moving at the same pace. Germany and the Netherlands are enforcing the rules now, while others have pushed back until December. That means UK exporters could see very different requirements depending on the route. For Northern Ireland, a phased rollout via the new TIMS platform is underway.
Source: EU Commission – ICS2 Release 3
EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
From 12 October, the EU will begin introducing biometric checks at its external borders. The system will take around six months to phase in, but busy crossings like Dover–Calais may feel the impact quickly. UK drivers also remain limited by the 90/180-day rule, which could reduce flexibility at a time when demand is high.
Source: European Commission – EES launch date
GB–NI Trade Pressures
Paperwork and “at risk” classifications under the Windsor Framework continue to cause disruption. Some businesses are diverting cargo via Dublin instead of using the Irish Sea, while consumers in Northern Ireland report fewer delivery options. Calls are growing for streamlined processes to ease the burden on shippers.
Source: Windsor Framework starting to fracture the UK Internal Market
Why It Matters
The mix of new filings, biometric checks and complex NI routes all add up to one thing: greater complexity. Operators who prepare early and stay alert to country-by-country differences will be best placed to avoid disruption.
At Beckchoice, our team monitors these developments daily, works closely with trusted partners, and keeps customers informed every step of the way. The goal is simple: to keep your cargo moving, whatever Europe’s borders throw at us.
If you’d like to discuss how these changes may affect your shipments, get in touch.
Note: Information in this article is correct as of September 2025. EU and UK regulations are subject to change, so we recommend checking the latest official guidance or speaking with our team for the most up-to-date advice.