ICS2 ENS FAQs

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Welcome to our comprehensive section on ICS2 ENS filing requirements, ensuring compliance with EU Customs regulations. Feel free to scroll down and review each section or click on any section below for smoother navigation

ICS2 Introduction

ICS2 is a large-scale EU information system supporting the following processes:

  • lodging of the Entry Summary Declarations – ENS (advance cargo information) to Customs;
  • security and safety risk analysis by Customs;
  • arrival of means of transport;
  • presentation of goods to Customs authorities and control by the Customs authorities of goods, where necessary.

Customs action at the external border plays an essential role in protecting citizens and the internal market against safety and security threats. Advance cargo information and risk analysis will enable early identification of threats and help Customs to intervene at the most appropriate place in supply chain.

For Customs purposes, security and safety risks cover a range of issues including explosives in air cargo, narcotics, precursors, dangerous fake medicines, dangerous toys or electronics, contaminated foods, weapons, and all types of organised smuggling.

New threats like postal delivery of lethal synthetic opiates are now emerging. Organised groups use entry point shipping and arrange their supply chains to evade detection, innovating on a continuous basis.

At the same time, the volume of consignments supervised by Customs is multiplying due to changes in the global trade business models generated by e-commerce. New advance data for goods in postal consignments will offer new opportunities as well as challenges.

ICS2 is not an import system and it is not used to process the Customs declarations for release into free circulation.

Entry of the goods into the EU is a 5-step process, consisting of:

  • Lodging of the Entry summary declaration (ENS);
  • Notification of the arrival of the means of transport;
  • Presentation of goods;
  • Temporary storage of goods and;
  • Placing the goods under a Customs procedure.

ICS2 business process scope covers three steps out of five: lodging the ENS, the notification of the arrival of the means of transport and the presentation of goods.

ICS2 will support the communication of advance cargo information for safety and security risk analysis on the entry of goods into the EU for the following transport modes: maritime, air, road, rail and inland waterways. General cargo, express and postal business models will also be affected by ICS2.

No. ICS2 will fully replace ICS1 with an entirely new business process in accordance with the  Union Customs Code  legal requirements and the strategic operational needs expressed in the  EU Customs Risk Management Strategy and Action Plan(adopted in 2014). Furthermore, ICS2 enables multiple filing of advance cargo information for application of  Article 127 (6)  of the Union Customs Code and involves more supply chain actors and business models as per  Article 127 (4)  of the Union Customs Code, with the goal of collecting better quality and timely data related to the goods supply chains.

They will operate in parallel for a limited period of time. After the roll-out of ICS2 Release 3 on 1 March 2024, ICS1 will be phased out after a transitional period of 200 days.

The ICS2 Transition Strategy and Plan foresees implementation of the new system and consequently new Entry Summary Declaration requirements and related business and risk management processes in three operational releases.

  • Release 1: Express carriers and European based postal operators and Third-country postal operators shipping to Europe – Pre Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) using the minimum ENS dataset;
  • Release 2: Postal operators, express and air carriers and freight forwarders – Operators have to complete ENS dataset for all goods in air transport;
  • Release 3: Operators carrying goods on maritime and inland waterways and roads and railways – Carriers in these transport sectors have to complete ENS dataset for all goods in these sectors, including postal and express consignments.

Technical Aspects of ICS2

Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) is the act whereby a person informs the Customs authorities, in the prescribed form and manner and within a specific time limit, that goods are to be brought into the Customs territory of the Union.

ENS filing means either partial or full ENS data set required by the legislation per specific mode of transport or business model.

For ICS2 compliance, traders need to submit detailed and comprehensive data sets. This includes in-depth information about the consignor, consignee, and the goods being transported, such as product classification codes, quantities, and descriptions. This data must be provided earlier in the shipping process than before, enabling customs to conduct more thorough risk assessments upfront. The aim is to create a transparent, data-rich environment that allows for preemptive security and safety measures.

ICS2 system needs to know the details of the EO (primarily, the partyID) to determine how to dispatch the messages or notifications and will use the channel used by the person filing to dispatch messages. Meaning, ICS2 will dispatch the messages and notifications to the EO via S2S if that was the way the filing was lodged. Otherwise, will send the notifications via U2S if the U2S was the channel used by the person filing.

For notifications for EO that are not the person filing, the system will act depending on the preferences set by the actor via the STP)

By default, following notifications are send both via U2S and S2S channel

  • IE3Q01 (Do Not Load request);
  • IE3Q02 (Additional information request);
  • IE3Q03 (High Risk Cargo & Mail screening request).

The following messages will always be sent to the person filing, when applicable:
  • IE3R01 (ENS Registration Response)
  • IE3N01 (ENS lifecycle validation error notification)
  • IE3N10 (Amendment Notification)
  • IE3R07 (Invalidation Acceptance Response)
  • IE3Q01 (Do Not Load request)
  • IE3Q02 (Additional information request)
  • IE3Q03 (High Risk Cargo & Mail screening request)
  • IE3N07 (House consignment in incorrect state notification)
  • IE3N08 (Control notification)
  • IE3N09 (Authorized Economic Operator control notification)
  • IE3R08 (ENS Consultation results)
  • IE3N99 (Error notification)
  • IE3N04 – Additional Information Request Notification
  • IE3N05 – Cargo Screening Request Notification
  • IE3N03 – Risk Assessment Complete
  • IE3N02 – ENS Not Complete Notification
  • IE3N11 – ENS Pending Notification

ICS2 & Business Operations

Businesses should start by auditing their current processes to identify areas needing alignment with  ICS2 requirements. Updating IT systems for compatibility, training staff on new procedures, and engaging with Customs officials for detailed understanding are crucial steps. Trial submissions can be beneficial to test system readiness. Proactive communication with supply chain partners to ensure alignment and preparedness is also key to a smooth transition.
ICS2 enhances security by using advanced risk assessment technologies to analyze data on goods before they enter the Customs territory. This proactive approach allows for earlier identification and interception of potential threats. Improved data analysis capabilities enable Customs to make more informed decisions, thereby elevating the overall security of the supply chain and reducing the risk of illicit activities.

Notifications & Access in ICS2

In the scenarios the carrier is acting as person filing (by lodging F20, F21, F27, F28, F29 or F10, F11, F12 and F13), then they will receive the notifications related to the messages filed (when applicable).

However, the economic operator (EO) will have to setup its default communication path and notification preferences via the Shared Trader Portal (STP). Then they will receive the notification via S2S or U2S, depending on what channel they used in the configured default communication path.

  • IE3R01 (ENS Registration Response)
  • IE3N01 (ENS lifecycle validation error notification)
  • IE3N10 (Amendment Notification)
  • IE3R07 (Invalidation Acceptance Response)
  • IE3Q01 (Do Not Load request)
  • IE3Q02 (Additional information request)
  • IE3Q03 (High Risk Cargo & Mail screening request)
  • IE3N04 (Additional information request notification)
  • IE3N05 (High Risk Cargo & Mail screening request notification)
  • IE3N07 (House consignment in incorrect state notification)
  • IE3N08 (Control notification)
  • IE3R08 (ENS Consultation results)
  • IE3N09 (Authorized Economic Operator control notification)
  • IE3N99 (Error notification)

Any EO operator (including carriers) not acting as person filing, who wants to receive notifications, should setup its preferences and “Default Communication Path” access point through the STP, via “manage preferences” section. The channel can be set to STP (related notification can be checked by STP application) or to S2S via which messages with notifications will be send. (Please bear in mind that to access and use the STP, any EO needs to be registered in UUM&DS).

Both the person filing and the carrier (if known to ICS2 system, meaning, if carrier is not person filing but has their preferences correctly set in the ICS2 STP) will always receive the DNL notifications (IE3Q01) via the S2S, if that is the channel used to lodge the filing. Either way, the DNL notification will also be visible in the STP.

Additional Resources & Roles

Yes, Customs authorities and trade associations frequently offer training sessions, guidance documents, and resources to support businesses in transitioning to ICS2. These may include online resources, webinars, and dedicated support services. Businesses should utilize these resources to fully understand the system’s requirements and ensure compliance. Contact  Trade Tech  to find out more or visit the  EU site  for more information.
Freight forwarders play a critical role in ICS2 compliance. They are responsible for submitting accurate and complete data on behalf of their clients to Customs authorities. This includes ensuring all necessary information, like shipment details and compliance documents, is collected and communicated in line with ICS2 regulations. Their role is pivotal in ensuring that the entire supply chain adheres to the new standards.

E-commerce and small business importers will need to adapt to ICS2 by providing necessary data earlier in the shipment process. This adaptation might involve streamlining data collection and submission processes. ICS2 could offer benefits such as streamlined procedures for recognized and compliant traders, potentially reducing administrative burdens and improving efficiency for small businesses and e-commerce platforms.

Data Requirements and Documentation

In scenarios like LCL re-consolidation from Tokyo to Hamburg, which includes transshipment and re-consolidation in Singapore, the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) charge must be considered. The ENS must be filed 24 hours before loading begins on the vessel departing from Singapore to Hamburg. This is a critical step to ensure compliance with EU Customs regulations for cargo security. Both the ocean carrier and the freight forwarder are responsible for filing an Entry Summary Declaration. They each must handle the ENS for their respective direct and house bills of lading. The ENS charge is applicable and should be accounted for by both parties involved in the shipping process. This cooperative filing ensures that all necessary documentation is in place to facilitate the seamless transit of goods through EU ports, avoiding delays and potential penalties for non-compliance.
Each party in an LCL/co-loader setup can file independently. Ocean carriers file master ENS while master loaders and house filers handle respective higher and lower level ENS filings, linked via shared EORI numbers.
An HS code is mandatory for all cargo types, detailed at the 6-digit level unless it involves personal effects or natural persons as shippers and consignees.

ENS Compliance

No, the consignee or import forwarder can use their EORI number. However, shippers or origin forwarders have the option to use their own EORI number if they wish to maintain greater control over the process.

If there is no destination agent involved, then the origin forwarder or NVOCC must have an EORI number.
Yes, guidelines for acceptable and non-acceptable cargo descriptions can be found at the provided link.

ENS Filing Procedures

Yes, an ENS is required if the cargo originates outside the EU and transits through EU territory via rail or truck for export through an EU port. This requirement will be reinforced under the ISC3 implementation for Rail/Truck movements starting in April 2025, with further details forthcoming.

ENS filing in the EU is more akin to AMS than ISF, as it requires the lowest level House Bill of Lading (HBL) party (either FF or NVOCC) to file, with the filing details primarily derived from the HBL data.

Only the lowest level HBL party, whether it’s the Freight Forwarder (FF) or NVOCC, is responsible for filing the ENS in the case of a co-loaded shipment.

The Ocean Carrier is responsible for filing the Master Level ENS. However, the lowest level HBL party (FF or NVOCC) must file the ENS for their respective shipments.

It is recommended to file the ENS at the origin to ensure that the filing is completed before the vessel departs.

Yes, an NVOCC can use an agent’s EORI number to file the ENS and AMS, provided that the shipment is consigned to that agent.

No, starting from December, the responsibility to file will shift to the HBL party, whether it is the FF or NVOCC.

ENS filings are required to be submitted to a central EU system, after which the data will be internally distributed to the respective individual countries.

No, there are no exemptions from EORI requirements, including for low-value shipments.

ENS is already a requirement for air freight shipments.

Trade Tech offers electronic filing and monitoring of the ENS process.

RoRo shipping for accompanied vehicles starts on April 1st, 2025, with specific deployment dates to be confirmed with each ferry operator.

While Northern Ireland requires ENS filings as part of the ICS2, the rest of the UK does not, except for cargo arriving via EU ports where ENS filings are necessary regardless of the cargo’s ultimate destination.

No additional declarant identification number is needed for FROB shipments originating outside the EU and transiting or staying on board within EU ports

Trade Tech, through its IT service provider, has established a secure connection with the EU Customs Shared Trade Interface, ensuring streamlined ENS filing. You are only required to confirm your EORI number with us; no further action is needed on your part.

In this shipping scenario, the primary and re-entry ENS filings will generally contain the same data, excluding specific details like the ship and port of entry. Note that only the carrier is responsible for declaring re-entry.

No changes are required for customers until December 2024. At that point, freight forwarders will gain the ability to directly file HBL data and declare the consignee’s EORI number independently.

For EORI registration, contact us via ens@tradetech.net or get in touch with your local Trade Tech representative.

Immediate action is required when a route change occurs, with both the carrier and freight forwarder responsible for promptly filing the necessary ENS. The carrier bears the primary responsibility, but all involved parties must ensure timely communication to secure compliance.

While it is a learning process for the industry, we recommend proactive communication with ocean carriers about your intentions to use ENS filings and your EORI details to facilitate smooth transitions and compliance by December 2024.

Carriers can indeed file complete ENS akin to AMS processes, ensuring all pertinent shipper, consignee, seller, and buyer information is accurately conveyed and protected throughout the process.

The EU ENS data requirements are similar, with the exception that ENS also mandates the inclusion of the HS code (6 digits), Consignee EORI number, Seller, Buyer, and Method of Payment.

The SI is an instruction sent to the carrier for MBL issuance, while ICS2/ENS filing involves sending the manifest to EU Customs for security compliance, similar to AMS filing with US Customs.

Yes, both MBL and HBL data must culminate in a complete ENS. EU Customs will distribute an “assessment complete” message upon successful completion, signifying a match.

Correct. However, the Trade Tech system allows for the combination of both manifests within the same shipment screen, eliminating the need to re-enter the same data multiple times.

The requirement for House Bill ENS filing starts from December 2024.

The mandate takes effect on December 4th, 2024, with a transition period extending until April 1st, 2025.

The HBL transmission process will begin on December 4, 2024.

For information on charges per HBL when using the Tradetech system for ENS filing, please reach out to your local sales representative.

The second ENS is a re-entry manifest. If the MBL number remains unchanged, it is the carrier’s responsibility. Currently, freight forwarders are not required to declare a re-entry/second ENS.

The ENS manifest can be filed in advance, but it must be submitted at least 24 hours before the commencement of loading. Freight Forwarders and House Filers are not permitted to declare ENS before December 4th, 2024.

Please contact us at ens@tradetech.net for assistance with filing ENS and registering an ENS account for your operations in Vietnam.

The period from December 4th, 2024, to April 1st, 2025, is considered a transition period for Freight Forwarders and House Filers.

EORI Compliance and Requirements

If a US-based company does not have an EU-based location under its name, the US Freight Forwarder (FF) or Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) will need to obtain its own EORI number. However, if the company has an EU location, the EORI assigned to that location should be used.
Yes, EU agents are required to have EORI numbers. Typically, businesses operating within the EU are automatically assigned an EORI by their respective national customs authorities.
The time it takes to apply for and receive an EORI number varies depending on the country processing the application. It typically ranges from 24 hours to 2 weeks.
The processing time for obtaining an EORI number after application can range from 24 hours to 2 weeks, depending on the country involved.
No, a single EORI number is sufficient for any importing or exporting FF, NVOCC, or Shipper/Consignee to file for all shipments they are involved in.
If no HBL is issued and the shipment is only a carrier shipment, the carrier is responsible for filing. However, it is advisable for any US-origin forwarder to apply for an EORI, as the process is straightforward, especially with the assistance of Trade Tech.
If the shipper/exporter has an establishment located in Europe, the EORI number assigned to that establishment should be used.
Consignees do not require an EORI number for cargo transiting through the EU to non-EU countries.
The EORI number of any involved importing/exporting party can be used for filing.
For US-based firms, contact your European counterpart to check for an existing EORI number. If absent, Trade Tech can facilitate registration through local customs in Europe or via the French customs portal for non-EU entities, using the head office’s EORI number as standard for ENS filings.
Your US-based firm does not need an additional EORI if your European subsidiaries are properly registered. Use the EORI from the subsidiary acting as the central headquarters or most frequently used shipping point within Europe.
A single EORI number per brand is recommended for companies with multiple establishments within Europe. Utilize the EORI number from your main European office as the declarant for ENS filings. This ensures consistency and compliance across your operations. If an establishment is not yet registered, we will facilitate the registration process. EU regulations advise using the EORI number from the headquarters or main European office.
Only one EORI number is required per company for ENS filings, typically the one registered to your EU headquarters. This simplifies the filing process and ensures consistency across all operations.
We can facilitate obtaining an EORI number through the French customs portal, allowing all your offices in Turkey to utilize the same number for ENS filings, irrespective of the final EU destination.
The EORI number is unique and consistent across all branches, mirroring the SCAC code protocol for AMS filings, ensuring uniformity in ENS declarations.
If operating as a House filer, a declarant EORI number is necessary. Although the shipper’s EORI is not compulsory, having one can facilitate smoother customs interactions. Trade Tech will assist in securing the required EORI.
Indian exporters only need an EORI if they are acting as the importer within the EU, necessitating customs clearance and tax payments. Otherwise, an EORI is not required unless directly involved in the customs process.
Even if based in India, an EORI number is essential for any entity issuing a House Bill of Lading within the EU. Utilize the EORI from your main European office or, if applicable, your local agent’s EORI for declarations. Coordination with your EU representatives is advised to ensure compliance.
Confirming and obtaining an EORI involves engaging with the customs authority of the EU country where your company is registered or most actively trades. For non-EU entities without a European presence, we facilitate registration through the relevant customs portal, ensuring you meet all regulatory requirements for trade within the EU.
The ENS Declarant, or House filer, must have an EORI number. If your company is issuing the HBL, you will need to use an EORI number as the declarant. It is advisable to use the EORI number of your European head office as the ENS Declarant, especially if your business has establishments in Europe under the same brand. If a third-party agent in the EU or another location issues the HBL, then the agent’s EORI number should be used. We recommend coordinating with your European offices to ensure proper organization.
The carrier is required to provide their EORI number, which you will need to share alongside your Declarant EORI number.
Please direct your inquiry to ens@tradetech.net. Yes, EORI numbers are issued by EU Customs.
1. The EORI number is mandatory for the Freight Forwarder issuing the House Bill, the Consignee (Cnee), and the Shipper if they are handling clearance at the destination. 2. The freight forwarder must coordinate with the carrier to ensure vessel schedules are corrected and filing deadlines are met. 3. Yes, carriers are generally familiar with this process, though it remains a learning experience for some.
The timeline for obtaining an EORI number from EU Customs typically takes around a week. Applying as early as possible is advisable.
For specific details on using a single EORI number across all EU+3 ENS regions, please direct your query to ens@tradetech.net.
To inquire about the cost of obtaining an EORI number, please contact us at ens@tradetech.net.
EORI registration is a one-time process and does not require periodic renewal.
Yes, an EORI number is required for HBL filing. Each role may require its own EORI depending on the specific responsibilities and filing requirements.
Yes, an MBL shipper who is a freight forwarder will need an EORI number. Trade Tech can assist in obtaining this; please reach out to your local sales representative.
Please email us at ens@tradetech.net for detailed information on the duration and required documents for EORI registration.
Shipper EORI stands for Economic Operator Registration and Identification.
Yes, the same EORI number can be used for ENS filing if your branch in Rotterdam has an EORI.
EORI numbers do not have an expiration date; they are permanently allocated to economic operators and other entities. However, they can be invalidated upon request or if business activities cease. After invalidation, the EORI data is retained for ten years.
It depends on who is issuing the HBL. If the cargo moves under the ABC House Bill brand name, then ABC is the House Filer and must file under its EORI.
Yes, if you are the party issuing the HBL, you will need an EORI to file.
1. The EORI number is required for the Freight Forwarder issuing the House Bill, the Consignee (Cnee), and the Shipper if they are responsible for clearance at the destination. 2. The freight forwarder must coordinate with the carrier to ensure vessel schedules are corrected and filing deadlines are met. 3. Yes, carriers are generally familiar with this process, although it remains a learning experience for some.

ICS2 ENS Filing Specifics

Seller and buyer details are mandatory for EU-bound shipments and must be included in the lowest bill of lading. For shipments requiring confidentiality, these details may be submitted separately via a dedicated ENS message format. Importers need to be registered with EU Customs or connected through an STI provider to submit these details.
The shipper (consignor) initiates the shipment per the transport contract. The consignee is the designated recipient, not necessarily the ultimate buyer. Seller and buyer are specifically designated in EU-bound maritime shipments and must be declared in the bill of lading. Non-commercial transactions do not require buyer and seller identification in the documentation for FROB or transshipment.
HBL and MBL submissions are integrated as part of the ‘Partial ENS’. If completeness is not achieved, notifications such as ‘ENS Not Complete’ and ‘ENS Pending Notification’ may be issued until both submissions are confirmed.
The EORI number should be entered in the Profile Location tab, within the Compliance Reference area, and will also appear in the Parties tab ID area alongside other filing details.
Correct, the consignee’s EORI is necessary. The shipper’s EORI is also required if they are responsible for clearance at the destination.
None of these scenarios require ENS filing. Helsinki, Finland, is considered a European country of origin. ENS is required for the following cargo movements: – Third country (Non-EU) origin to Europe destination – Third country (Non-EU) origin to Europe port call or transit to Third country (Non-EU) destination ENS is not required for: – Europe origin to Third country destination – Europe origin to Europe destination

Penalties and Enforcement

Penalties vary by individual EU countries with no current uniform guidelines on their implementation.
Only Northern Ireland participates in ICS2. The rest of the UK is not included in the EU IC2/ENS program. Great Britain has its own program, which will take effect in October 2024, and currently applies only at the carrier/MBL level.
The penalties for missing the ENS filing deadline have not yet been defined by the EU member states.

Role of Freight Forwarders and NVOCCs

Yes, the ENS filing is still required by the forwarder if the cargo transits through the EU, even if it is en route to a non-EU country.
The lowest level HBL creator is responsible for filing the ENS HBL.
For shipments destined for the EU, the ultimate consignee’s EORI number is mandatory; it is not needed for FROB or transshipment cases. The EORI number aids in risk assessment by customs. While seller/buyer details are essential for ENS filings within the EU, each party involved must ensure they are prepared to submit their part of the ENS, whether directly through EU customs interfaces or via an approved IT service provider.
It is permissible for your subsidiary or origin office to handle the ENS filings, provided they adhere to the prescribed timelines for filing. As the house filer/declarant, ensure that all filings are coordinated effectively across your network to maintain compliance with EU regulations.
Only one party should file the ENS manifest, whether at the origin or destination, provided that all parties are well-coordinated and adhere to the time limit (ENS must be filed 24 hours before the commencement of loading on the vessel). The ENS declarant is the entity issuing the House Bill of Lading.
For HBL filing, the EORI number of the party issuing the House Bill of Lading should be used.
Only one party should file the ENS manifest, whether at the origin or destination, provided that they are well-organized and adhere to the time limit (ENS must be filed 24 hours before the commencement of loading on the vessel). The ENS declarant is the party issuing the House Bill of Lading.

Timelines and Deadlines

The ENS must be filed no later than 2 hours before the vessel’s arrival at its first EU port.
Correct, for non-direct deep-sea shipments, ENS filing is required 24 hours prior to the commencement of loading at the transshipment port.
No, freight forwarders will be responsible for filing ENS (HBL) data starting from December 4, 2024.
HBL-level filing must be completed 24 hours prior to loading on the mother vessel.
The requirement to file the House Bill ENS begins in December 2024.

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