ICS2 (Import Control System 2) is the European Union's security-oriented pre-arrival system: for every consignment entering the EU, an entry summary declaration (ENS) is submitted to the system before arrival and a risk analysis is carried out. Road and rail came into scope on 1 April 2025; for road transport the ENS must be submitted at least one hour before arrival.
What did ICS2 change?
ICS2 is a risk analysis infrastructure shared by all EU member states that replaced the old ICS1 system. Economic operators bringing goods into or through the EU report safety and security data to the system with the entry summary declaration (ENS). Customs administrations use this data to select risky consignments before the cargo arrives and reduce controls on the others. An operator can set up its own software or use an IT service provider; depending on the contractual structure, a single ENS or a multiple-filing ENS submitted by several parties is possible.
Phases
| Phase | Start | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Release 1 | 15 March 2021 | Postal and express consignments by air, minimum pre-loading data |
| Release 2 | 1 March 2023 | All air cargo |
| Release 3 – sea | 3 June 2024 | Maritime and inland waterway carriers |
| Release 3 – road and rail | 1 April 2025 | Road and rail operators |
For road and rail, the transition period was completed on 1 September 2025; some member states obtained limited temporary derogations. The European Commission announced that from 1 June 2026 every consignment entering the EU, whatever the mode of transport, must have a valid ENS.
How does it work for road transport?
- Data is collected: The shipper gives the carrier the consignee, a precise description of the goods, the 6-digit HS code, the number of packages and the gross weight.
- The ENS is submitted: Under Article 108 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/2446, the carrier submits the ENS at least one hour before the goods enter the EU.
- Registration: The system assigns an MRN to the declaration; passing the number to the driver together with the transit documents makes the border formalities easier. The logic of the MRN is explained in the entry MRN number.
- Risk analysis: Customs requests additional information or issues a control instruction if necessary.
- Entry: The vehicle arrives at the office of first entry and the process is completed with the arrival notification.
In some countries the ENS data can also be submitted together with the transit declaration via NCTS Phase 6. Whether this option is valid at a given entry point should be confirmed before shipment.
What are the consequences of missing or incorrect data?
- An incomplete ENS may be rejected, or customs sends a request (referral) for the missing information.
- Risk analysis stops until the request is answered; the vehicle waits at the border.
- Additional screening or a physical check may be required for cargo considered high-risk.
- Failure to comply with the data obligation may lead to administrative sanctions.
What it means for trucks leaving Türkiye
A truck entering the EU from Türkiye via Bulgaria or Greece must arrive with a valid ENS in addition to the T1 transit document or TIR carnet. The carrier submits the ENS, but the data comes from the exporter's invoice. The EU publishes a list of vague goods descriptions it does not accept (stop words); the updated list was announced on 1 July 2026 and took effect on 3 August 2026. Vague terms such as "parts" or "general cargo" can cause the declaration to be returned.
How does Voltim Global support you?
On Voltim Global's Europe-bound bonded and transit transport, customs formalities are handled through contracted customs brokers. The goods description and code data on which the ENS is based are finalised with the shipper before loading through a single point of contact.