Keeping abreast of the EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2)

On March 1, 2023, the European Union (EU) launched Release 2 of their Import Control System 2 (ICS2) for goods transported by air to EU-27 destinations plus Northern Ireland, Norway, and Switzerland. This is the European Union's mandatory pre-arrival cargo and security program.

The EU import control system 2 is the second iteration of the electronic customs import system for the EU. This upgraded IT system was created to collect data about all goods entering the EU prior to their arrival. It requires businesses to submit thorough shipment data via an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) before goods enter or transit through ICS 2 participating countries. Additionally, data-first customs screening enables earlier risk assessment and mitigation before cargo is loaded or arrives at the border.

ICS 2 is required for all shipments transiting via any EU country as well as Northern Ireland, Norway, and Switzerland — even if the final destination is not part of the EU. For example, a shipment from Asia to the UK, where goods transit via any EU country, falls within scope.

Key data requirements for the EU import control system 2

To ensure compliant ENSs and avoid delays or 'do not load' holds at customs, all shipments must include the following ICS 2 requirements:

 

Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number of the recipient

A valid EORI number must be provided for the EU consignee or importer. This is a mandatory identifier used by customs authorities to track economic operators across the EU.

 

Six-digit Harmonized System (HS) code for all items

At least the first six digits of a HS code are required for every item in a shipment. Generic descriptions or incomplete codes are not accepted and may trigger a customs hold.

 

Detailed descriptions

Each item must be accompanied by a precise net weight and a complete, accurate description of each item. As of August 3, 2026, the European Commission confirmed that generic cargo descriptions — known as "stop words" — will lead to automatic rejection of security filings for air cargo entering or transiting through the EU. Terms such as "parts," "goods," "samples," or "general cargo" are no longer accepted. Descriptions must be specific, for example: "men's cotton shirts" or "automotive brake pads."¹

The current list of stop words can be viewed here.

 

Supply chain details

Full names, addresses, and EORI numbers (where applicable) must be provided for all parties involved in the shipment. This includes carriers, shippers, and consignees.

 

Shipment information

Core shipment data is also required, including:

• Total weight
• Number of packages
• Type of packaging
  
  

Filing timelines for ICS2

Filings must be submitted within precise windows — which depend on the mode of transport used to move goods into the EU.

 

Filing timelines for air freight

Air freight requires Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) to be submitted before goods are loaded onto the aircraft. This allows customs authorities to conduct risk assessments before departure, rather than upon arrival.

 

Filing timelines for maritime freight

For maritime and inland waterway shipments, the ENS must be submitted at least 24 hours before loading at the port of departure. Late submissions can result in containers being blocked or held at transshipment ports.

 

Filing timelines for road and rail

For road and rail transport, filings must be submitted before goods arrive at the customs office of entry. Temporary derogations that previously applied to certain road and rail movements — for example in Croatia, Latvia, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia — have now expired following the conclusion of Release 3.²

Who is affected by ICS2?

All economic operators involved in the international movement of goods are affected by ICS 2. This includes:

• Freight forwarders and consolidators — responsible for submitting house bill of lading data and ensuring compliance with ENS filing requirements
• Postal operators and express carriers — covered from the earliest release of the system
• Air, maritime, road, and rail transport carriers — sharing responsibility for accurate ENS data submission
• Importers and buyers/sellers — must ensure valid EORI numbers and accurate HS codes are provided

It is worth noting that in consolidated shipments, a compliance failure by any one party in the chain can cause delays for the entire consignment.

The benefits of ICS 2

ICS 2 introduced more efficient and effective EU customs security and safety capabilities that:

• Increase protection of EU citizens and the internal market against security and safety threats
• Allow EU customs authorities to better identify high-risk consignments and intervene at the most appropriate point in the supply chain
• Support proportionate, targeted customs measures at the external borders in crisis response scenarios
• Facilitate cross-border clearance for legitimate trade
• Simplify the exchange of information between Economic Operators and EU Customs Authorities
  
  

The three-phase rollout of the ICS 2 system

The ICS 2 system was rolled out in three phases to accommodate the different transport modes used for moving goods into the EU.

 

ICS 2 Release 1

Release 1 launched on March 15, 2021, covering pre-loading data for postal and express air shipments. This first phase established the foundation of the system's data-first approach to customs security.

 

ICS 2 Release 2

Release 2 launched on March 1, 2023, expanding requirements to cover general air cargo — including consolidators and freight forwarders. This phase significantly broadened the scope of operators required to submit ENS data.

 

ICS 2 Release 3

On June 3, 2024, Release 3 of ICS2 commenced, expanding the system to go beyond only air shipments. It now also covers shipments by road, rail, and sea. This was a staggered roll-out, that was concluded on September 1, 2025.

What does this mean for you, a World Courier customer?

To avoid delays when shipping into any ICS 2 participating countries, it is recommended you have the following information to hand:

• The consignee's Trader ID number
• EORI number if within the EU or Northern Ireland
• A standardized business number (UID) if within Switzerland
• A Norwegian organization (ORG.NO) number if within Norway

Your six-digit HS code on an item level — necessary for both shipments to and transiting via ICS 2 countries. To expedite the process, it is recommended to supply this code regardless of the destination, as the route is unknown before receiving the order.

If you were making shipments with World Courier before Release 3, you do not need to make any changes to how you work with us as you were likely already providing this information. Please continue to create shipments with us as usual.

Please contact your sales representative directly or contact us here if you have any questions.

FAQs for the EU import control system 2

What countries are using ICS2?

The ICS 2 countries include all 27 EU member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. In addition, three non-EU partners are also within scope: Switzerland, Norway, and Northern Ireland.

For the full official list, refer to the European Commission's ICS2 guidance.³

 

What is the difference between ICS and ICS2?

The main difference is that ICS 2 requires more detailed cargo information to be submitted before goods reach EU borders. This enables earlier risk assessment, whereas the original ICS primarily relied on information provided after loading or upon arrival.