Ready For ICS2? Key Changes For EU Exports From January

From January, the European Union are introducing tougher border controls that require an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) for every UK-to-EU shipment. These declarations must be filed in advance to prevent delays or the possibility of goods being turned away.

The EU’s updated Import Control System (ICS2) becomes fully operational on January 1, 2026. From that date, any carrier moving goods from the UK into the EU will be obligated to submit an ENS for each separate shipment loaded on their vehicle.

ENS filings must reach EU customs authorities at least one hour before the shipment arrives, giving officials enough time to carry out security and risk assessments. Cargo entering the EU without an approved ENS could be held at the border or denied entry altogether.

While carriers are responsible for lodging the ENS, shippers will now need to provide more detailed information to ensure the declarations are accurate and compliant. Supplying all required details when placing your booking will help avoid disruption.

To enable correct and timely ENS submissions, carriers may request:

• Full names and addresses of both shipper and consignee

• The consignee’s EORI number

• Complete buyer and seller information, if different from the shipper or consignee

• A precise and descriptive explanation of the goods

• The first six digits of the commodity code

ICS2 also introduces restrictions on vague product descriptions. Generic terms such as “auto parts,” “spares,” “clothing,” or “machinery” may trigger automatic rejection under the new “stop words” rules.

While Atlantic Pacific will be working hard to stay ahead of these upcoming changes, we will need clients to provide the required information to help prevent delays to shipments. For further information on the above, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team.