With just two weeks remaining, the move to Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is entering its final stage. From the 31st December 2025, all Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) for road, rail and unaccompanied trailer movements from Great Britain into Northern Ireland and the EU must be submitted through ICS2. Older systems, including ICS(1) and ICSNI, will no longer be accepted by customs authorities.

For many businesses, this change may feel technical. However, the impact is very real. If an ICS2 ENS is not submitted correctly, goods may be delayed, refused entry, or stopped at the border.

Why ICS2 Matters

ICS2 has been introduced by the EU to strengthen customs safety and security checks before goods arrive at the border. It allows custom authorities to assess shipments earlier, helping them identify risk and reduce disruption when goods arrive.

The system has been rolled out in phases over several years, starting with air freight. Road and rail movements, including unaccompanied trailers, are now reaching the end of their transition period.

In the UK, HMRC has issued guidance to support businesses moving goods into Northern Ireland and the EU as part of this change.

Who Is Affected

The legal responsibility for submitting the ENS sits with the haulier or carrier, but the effects of non-compliance are felt across the whole supply chain.

Importers may face delays, missed delivery slots, or extra costs
Hauliers and carriers risk rejected movements if declarations are incomplete
Freight forwarders and customs agents must receive accurate data in good time
Traders moving goods GB–NI or into the EU need to be ready to support the process

ICS2 also introduces arrival and presentation of goods notifications. For GB–NI movements, these can be submitted automatically through TIMS, but only if the ENS Movement Reference Number (MRN) is correctly included in the Goods Movement Reference (GMR).

What Has Changed Under ICS2

ICS2 requires more detailed and accurate data than previous customs systems. This includes:

A clear and accurate description of the goods
Commodity codes at item level (6–8 digits)
Weight of the goods
Buyer and seller details
Place of delivery
Any supporting documents, such as licences or certificates

A key new requirement is the IMO number of the RoRo vessel. This must be provided in advance for the ENS to be submitted. Without it, goods cannot move. While last-minute ferry changes do happen, customs authorities can now access updated vessel details through GVMS, reducing the need for amendments in these cases.

How to Prepare with Two Weeks Left

If you or your customers are already using ICS2, it is strongly advised to continue using it and check that processes are working as expected. If you are not yet fully prepared, now is the time to act:

Speak to your haulier or carrier to confirm ICS2 readiness
Make sure you can provide all required data early and accurately
Review internal processes and data flows across your supply chain
Test submissions where possible to avoid last-minute issues

With only two weeks left, leaving this until the deadline risks disruption at one of the busiest times of the year.

Final Thoughts

ICS2 is not just another customs system change. It affects how goods move, how information is shared and how quickly shipments clear at the border. Preparing now can help avoid delays, additional costs and unnecessary pressure as businesses move into the new year.