ICS2 Road and Rail Freight
The European Commission has confirmed that the next phase of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) for road and rail freight has been delayed.
The new mandatory start date is now 3 February 2026, extending the previous deadline of 1 September 2025.
ICS2 remains the EU’s enhanced platform for pre-arrival safety and security data. The delay gives road and rail carriers, freight forwarders and logistics providers additional time to complete their technical testing, establish data-submission processes, and ensure system readiness before the new cut-off date.
What Is ICS2?
ICS2 is the European Union’s upgraded system for managing Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) – the advance cargo information used to perform risk assessments before goods reach the EU border.
The system improves both supply-chain visibility and border security, enabling EU customs to target high-risk consignments more effectively while facilitating compliant trade.
Release 3 of ICS2 applies to all road and rail movements entering or transiting through the European Union, as well as shipments involving Switzerland, Norway, Türkiye, and Northern Ireland.
What’s Required?
Before goods arrive at the EU border, carriers (or their appointed representatives) must electronically submit a complete ENS, including:
- A valid 6-digit HS Commodity Code
- The EU EORI number of the buyer (mandatory for accompanied freight)
- A full list of transit countries before reaching the EU
- Clear and specific goods descriptions – vague entries such as “parts” or “samples” are likely to be rejected
Incomplete or inaccurate data can cause delays, refusals, or penalties, depending on the customs authority handling the arrival.
Who Is Responsible for Submitting the ENS?
In most cases, the carrier is responsible for lodging the ENS. However, this duty can be delegated to a freight forwarder or customs intermediary, depending on contractual arrangements.
It’s essential to confirm which party is responsible for ENS submission to avoid duplication or compliance gaps once ICS2 becomes mandatory in February 2026.
What You Should Do Now
Although the deadline has been postponed, preparation remains vital.
If you’re involved in moving goods by road or rail into or through the EU:
- Review your shipping and data-capture processes to ensure ENS submissions are complete, accurate and timely.
- Confirm that hauliers, agents and freight partners are aware of their updated responsibilities under ICS2.
- Verify that your documentation includes the correct HS codes, EORI details, transit routing and clear goods descriptions.
- Work with your customs software provider or service partner to test connections with the EU’s Shared Trader Interface (STI).
- Stay informed through the EU Commission’s ICS2 portal and your national customs authority for any further updates.
Supporting Our Customers
The extended timeline offers additional breathing room, but systems and procedures must still be ready by February 2026. Beckchoice continues to work closely with its European partners, hauliers and customs representatives to ensure customers remain compliant, prepared and informed.
If you’d like guidance on reviewing your EU-bound procedures ahead of the new ICS2 go-live date, our team can help – get in touch.
This article is accurate as of November 2025. For the latest information, refer to the EU Commission’s official ICS2 portal: https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs/customs-security/import-control-system-2_en