ICS2 Regulations explained: What Road Freight Operators need to know
ICS2 Regulations explained: What Road Freight Operators need to know
Road freight operators and haulage firms need to comply with the new ICS2 regulations. If you’re moving goods from Great Britain into the EU or through the EU, then you need to provide more information. Although since Brexit, the UK has agreements already in place for transporting goods to the EU, the ICS2 regulations are an added requirement.
Stay up-to-date with the latest in logistics by signing up for our emails.
What are the new ICS2 regulations and timeline?
The new Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is a cargo information system is an updated version of the EU Import Control System.
The Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is the EU’s upgraded cargo safety and security system, replacing the original Import Control System. Under ICS2, all Economic Operators (EOs) moving goods to or through the EU must submit detailed safety and security data via an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). This requirement applies to:
- Road carriers and hauliers
- Freight forwarders
- Logistics providers
- Any operator transporting goods into the EU
The EU introduced ICS2 to strengthen security, enable earlier identification of high-risk consignments (e.g., illegal or dangerous goods), and create greater consistency across all transport modes through a unified, standardised data-submission process.
ICS2 Rollout Timeline
ICS2 is being implemented in phases across all modes of transport:
Air transport: March 2023
Sea transport: June 2024 (start) – December 2024
Road and rail: Starting 1 April 2025
Full compliance: 1 September 2025
ICS2 will therefore fully apply to all transport into the EU, including road freight.
What is the impact on road freight from the UK to the EU?
The ICS2 is important because it will impact road freight and how road freight operators and haulage firms operate. This includes:
1. Operational and compliance challenges
For UK hauliers, the new changes mean more data collection, possible IT system upgrades and training of staff. The coordination of data collection can be complex. Collecting this information within the relevant time period and coordinating with multiple stakeholders to get the data.
It could also mean customs can request more information (RFI), and carriers need to respond quickly.
2. Rise in costs
In the beginning, especially, there may be increased operational costs with the extra administration and possible IT and training costs. There could also be additional costs if you fail to comply with the changes on time.
3.Cross-border logics
There may be delays at borders, especially during the transition period. This could impact the reputation of hauliers if they are not reliable.
Benefits for UK hauliers of the ICS2
While this new system may seem like more bother for road freight operators, haulage firms, and freight forwarders, it could help streamline your processes in the long term.
1.Improve data quality
Having to collect more data may seem like extra work, but this can be used to your advantage. Having this additional information can enhance your tracking and inventory controls. This can help cut costs and optimise your supply chain.
2.Consistency
Due to the creation of this single, standardised system for all modes of transport entering the EU, means better consistency for businesses using multiple transport channels.
3.Speed up processes
For compliant operators, it could help to speed up trade by allowing you to get through borders more smoothly with fewer delays, as issues can be resolved before the vehicle reaches the border.
This is especially useful for time-sensitive goods and can enhance customer satisfaction.
Is ICS2 mandatory?
Yes. ICS2 is mandatory for all goods entering or transiting the EU customs territory, across air, sea, road or rail.
What are the ICS2 requirements?
To comply with the new ICS2 requirements, Economic Operators need to provide the following details:
ENS
Economic Operators need to submit an ENS in the ICS2 system. This needs to be prior to arrival, otherwise you could face delays.
Commodity codes
There are now 6-digit HS commodity codes instead of 4 digits that need to be supplied.
Goods description
Goods descriptions must be accurate and detailed, including shipper/consignee data, quantity, weight, packaging, routing information and any security risk indicators.
Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EROI)
The haulier’s EU or XI EORI number must be declared. Road carriers must be listed as the Carrier in the ENS filing.
What steps to take to comply with ICS2
For ICS2 implementation, you need to undertake several steps:
Register
Companies need to register through the EU Customs Trader portal. To do this, you need to apply for EU authentication credentials, which is completed through the national customs authority of the first EU country of entry.
EORI
Hauliers in Great Britain will need an EU or XI EORI number from one of the EU Member States’ customs authorities.
How to file ICS2
There are several methods you can use to file, including:
In-house using a TMS or dedicated ICS2 software
Third-party filing, such as using a freight forwarder or agent to submit ENS on your behalf (although the responsibility for the information still resides with the haulier)
Cloud-based platform
Training and testing
Staff will need to be trained in the new system, and you will need to run self-conformance testing scenarios before it goes live. You will need to monitor filing to ensure there are no errors and if there are any issues, these will need to be resolved quickly to avoid delays or penalties.
Who is responsible for ICS2?
Any Economic Operators, including carriers and freight forwarders. If you move goods into Northern Ireland from Great Britain, from Great Britain to the EU if you have an EU or XI EORI, or into Northern Ireland from countries outside the EU, you need to register to use the ICS2.
Either single or multiple ENS filings may be used.
Which countries require ICS2 and does ICS2 apply to the UK?
The ICS2 applies to the following member states from 1st September 2025. Some member states have asked for a temporary derogation to give operators time to adapt. The UK, even though it has an agreement with the EU, the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), it still needs to comply with ICS2. ICS2 applies to all EU Member States below:
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Consequences for non-compliance with ICS2
ICS2 compliance is mandatory. If you do not comply with ICS2, such as having incomplete data, it may result in delays, penalties or refusal to enter the EU.
How hauliers can coordinate with EU partners and customs agents
Working in collaboration with freight forwarders and shippers in the EU can help to ensure that complying with ICS2 goes smoothly.
Evaluate your IT systems
Ensure your systems can send the required data in the correct format if you are using your own IT system.
Clarify responsibilities
If you are using the shared filing system, you will need to clarify in advance who is responsible for filing which parts. This will help to avoid duplication or missing information.
You should also share the required data to avoid errors. You can use digital tools like TIMOCOM to share information with your EU partners, which also makes the process transparent.
Plan for contingencies
Whenever new processes are implemented in a business, there is always the risk of errors. Plan for any potential problems.
How TIMOCOM can help navigate the new ICS2 regulations
TIMOCOM offers a holistic management platform to streamline your logistics processes. The TIMOCOM Road Freight Marketplace provides shippers, freight forwarders, and hauliers with a more efficient and flexible way to do business.
With more than 228 million freight and vehicle offers yearly, a freight exchange, live shipment tracking, and vetted business partners, it’s never been as easy to run your logistics business.
You can quickly and flexibly assign verified transport companies and orders, process transport orders digitally, improve capacity utilisation, and find return loads. With 55,000 potential business partners, you can build relationships all across Europe and the UK with TIMOCOM.
Freight exchange
TIMOCOM’s freight exchange allows you to find vetted partners all over Europe and the UK. With up to 1 million freight and vehicle space offers daily, you can avoid empty runs, increase your profitability and protect yourself against last-minute disruptions.
It’s quick and easy to search and assign transport orders, and it helps to build relationships across the EU and expand your market.
Danish company, Svendborg Brakes, uses TIMOCOM’s freight exchange to find urgent transport, which has saved them up to 80% of the cost.
Logistics cost calculator
TIMOCOM’s route planner allows you to calculate the exact costs for each trip. You have real-time access to data to understand your route length, disruptions, and truck restrictions.
You can calculate your fuel costs, offer more transparency to customers, and reduce your carbon emissions. The route planner allows you to prepare for any documentation you will need, which helps you to comply with the new ICS2 regulations.
Live shipment tracking
Real-time visibility (RTV) allows you to know when you will receive the shipping documents you need, and provides automatic status notifications, which reduces the time spent communicating with business partners. This helps to more easily coordinate with multiple stakeholders, which you’ll need to do with the new ICS2 regulations.
Tram Trinh Thanh
TIMOCOM Marketing Northern Europe, Benelux and UK
