ICS2 release 3: how to prepare for key compliance changes

Import Control System 2 (ICS2), Europe’s enhanced customs pre-arrival safety and security program, is designed to protect Europe’s borders by collecting advanced cargo information on goods entering or transiting through the region.

Now entering its third and final release, ICS2 will mandate more detailed and earlier data submission for businesses moving goods into the EU, Northern Ireland, Norway, or Switzerland.

Rolling out in phases throughout 2025, ICS2 Release 3 introduces new filing obligations for shipments entering Europe, requiring house-level ENS data.

 With many ocean carriers shifting the responsibility for data submission onto forwarders, taking control of house-level filings is essential to avoid delays, rejections, or penalties.

What does ‘ICS2 release 3’ mean for you?

If your operations involve forwarding, shipping, or customs clearance within the EU, Northern Ireland, Norway, or Switzerland, it’s critical to understand how these changes will affect your processes.

ICS2 Release 3 introduces new requirements for Entry Summary Declarations (ENS), increasing the need for accurate, timely, and complete data submissions.

The European Commission has planned the ICS2 rollout in three phases:

• December 4, 2024: ICS2 filing begins for maritime carriers, requiring them to submit ENS before goods enter the EU, Norway, or Switzerland.
• April 1, 2025: House-level filing becomes mandatory for maritime shipments, requiring forwarders to either provide full data to carriers or submit filings separately.
• September 1, 2025: Road and rail carriers must comply with ICS2 filing requirements.

Key ICS2 requirements for Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) 

Businesses must submit detailed and accurate information in the form of a complete ENS to the ICS2 system, which includes: 

• A complete and accurate commercial description of the goods 

• The 6-digit HS commodity code 

• Details of key parties involved, such as the seller, buyer, consignee, and consignor 

• The Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number 

How CargoWise keeps you ICS2 compliant 

Staying compliant with evolving customs regulations doesn’t have to be complicated. CargoWise simplifies the process, helping ensure your business meets ICS2 requirements with minimal disruption. 

• ICS2 Declarant EORI field: A dedicated "ICS2 Declarant EORI" field enables users to designate filing parties, ensuring accurate EORI details with built-in validations to prevent errors for any discharge port in the EU, Northern Ireland, Norway, or Switzerland.
• CUS Code(s) field: A new editable field under "Goods Details" or "Goods and Equipment Details" allows users to input up to nine CUS codes per pack line. This ensures accurate reporting for harmless and dangerous goods (DG) chemicals.
• HS Code validation: The system now enforces a strict six-digit HS code format to meet ICS2 filing standards.
• Error handling: If an invalid CUS code is detected, users will receive an error message prompting them to select the correct code from the Global Codes module.
• Shipping instruction validation: Built-in validations ensure that mandatory fields, such as Marks & Numbers, are correctly filled in.
• House Bill payment method: Users can specify a payment method when the carrier files the ENS, with options including cash, credit card, cheque, electronic funds transfer, and account holder payments.

These changes help ensure that shipping instructions include all mandatory ICS2 data, making compliance easier for both forwarders and carriers.

Next steps for CargoWise users

1. Update your system to the latest version of CargoWise
2. Ensure that your shipping instructions align with the latest ICS2 requirements.
3. Check carrier readiness for ICS2 compliance to avoid shipment delays.
4. View the latest CargoWise update notes for additional enhancements and functionality.

ICS2 Release 3 represents a significant shift in EU customs procedures. Forwarders and carriers must act now to ensure compliance before the April 2025 deadline.

Contact us today to find out how you can make sure your business is ICS2 ready with CargoWise.

Already a CargoWise customer? Take a look at our latest update notes for everything you need to know stay ICS2 compliant.