Introducing the EU’s latest Import Control System and how to handle it.
About ICS2 regulations for Ferry
ICS2 is a new version of the EU’s original Import Control System and brings new requirements to transporters shipping cargo into the EU via sea, road or rail. ICS2 is a pre-arrival IT security system made to process cargo information, support risk assessment and bolster security and safety at EU borders.
Watch our webinar on how to prepare your business for ICS2
With the next deadline for the EU’s new import control system, ICS2, coming up in December, we have hosted a webinar to help ensure your business is ready. The webinar will cover everything you need to know about ICS2, including key dates, requirements and what we can do to help you manage the regulations.
As a transporter shipping cargo into the EU, ICS2 requires you to provide more information about your shipment via an ENS and submit this info to authorities through the EU Shared Trader Interface (STI) system prior to arrival at the border. After assessing your information, authorities will either clear your cargo for entry, request further information or deny its entry to the EU.
Ways DFDS can assist you
Single filing
With our single filing service, you provide us with your cargo details and master data. We then create and send the full ICS2 filing to the EU authorities. Choosing single filing means you do not have to set up an IT system to connect with the EU STI system. You just have to ensure your data is accurate and sent to us on time.
Multiple filing
With our multiple filing service, we file master data, and you must file all cargo details directly to the EU Shared Trader Interface (STI) system. Choosing multiple filing means you are responsible for setting up a system to connect with the EU STI system, enabling you to send your cargo data directly to the EU authorities.
Type of filling = Single filling
Place of Acceptance (UNLOCODE or name)
Place of Delivery (UNLOCODE or name)
Consignor (allowed to use own address)
HS Code
Buyer details
Seller details
Optional Subcargo (multiple goods items on 1 BL)
UN number (if hazardous content)
Type of filling = multiple filling
Multiple filler EORI-nummer
Place of Acceptance (UNLOCODE or name)
Place of Delivery (UNLOCODE or name)
Consignor (allowed to use own address)
HS-code
Optional Subcargo (multiple goods items on 1 BL)
UN number (if hazardous content)
ICS2 Timeline
Maritime carriers must connect with ICS2 between June 3rd and December 4th, 2024
- DFDS Ferry Division plans to go live November 25th, 2024
Maritime house filers must connect between December 4th, 2024, and April 1st, 2025
Road and Rail carriers must connect between April and September 2025, including ferry operations through the Channel, the Strait of Gibraltar, and the Mediterranean routes to France.
FAQs about ICS2
ICS2 is an updated version of the EU’s original Import Control System (ICS). It is a pre-arrival IT security system that supports:
Lodging of the Entry Summary Declarations (ENS)
Security and safety analysis by customs authorities
Arrival of means of transport
Presentation of goods to customs authorities and control of goods by customs where necessary
ICS2 is not an import customs system and it is not used to process the customs declarations for release into free circulation.
ICS2 aims to protect the EU borders and its citizens by collecting data on all goods entering the EU prior to their arrival. Advanced cargo information and risk analysis will enable early threat identification, facilitating customs authorities' intervention when necessary.
ICS2 serves as the pre-arrival notification for safety and security risks, which must be submitted to the EU Shared Trader Interface system. Customs declarations, however, still need to be filed directly with the local customs authorities within their respective customs systems.
ICS2 introduces new regulations for cargo transport via sea, road, rail, and air. General cargo, express, and postal services will also be subject to ICS2 regulations.
By choosing single filing with DFDS, means you do not have to set up an IT system to connect with the EU STI system. You just have to ensure your data is accurate and sent to us on time.
New fields for single filing:
Type of filling = Single filling
Place of Acceptance (UNLOCODE or name)
Place of Delivery (UNLOCODE or name)
Consignor (allowed to use own address)
HS Code
Buyer details
Seller details
Optional Subcargo (multiple goods items on 1 BL)
UN number (if hazardous content)
By choosing multiple filing with DFDS, means you are responsible for setting up a system to connect with the EU STI system, enabling you to send your cargo data directly to the EU authorities.
New fields for multiple filing:
Type of filling = multiple filling
Multiple filler EORI-nummer
Place of Acceptance (UNLOCODE or name)
Place of Delivery (UNLOCODE or name)
Consignor (allowed to use own address)
HS-code
Optional Subcargo (multiple goods items on 1 BL)
UN number (if hazardous content)
ICS2 applies to all goods originating from a third country and destined for or in transit through all European countries, including Norway, Switzerland, and Northern Ireland.
ICS2 will be rolled out gradually, with regulations taking effect upon its integration with the system:
Maritime carriers will be required to connect with ICS2 between 3 Jun and 4 Dec 2024.
Maritime house-level filers must connect between 4 Dec 2024 and 1 Apr 2025.
Road and rail carriers must connect between 1 Apr and 1 Sep 2025.
The implementation of ICS2 means you will have to submit a broader range of information via an ENS to EU authorities before your shipments arrive at the border. The submission of the ENS will be done through ICS2. This means you will have to set up a system to connect to the EU Shared Trader Interface (STI) system, or you will have to provide ENS data to a third party that is connected to the system and can submit it on your behalf.
Your cargo can be denied entry at the EU border if your ENS declaration is not submitted in due time or if the cargo information provided is inaccurate. The cargo and ENS declaration will be inspected with the possibility of sanctions.
With a connection to the EU Shared Trader Interface (STI) system, we offer both single and multiple filing solutions to help ensure your ENS declaration is submitted in compliance with ICS2 requirements.
What is single filing?
With our single filing service, we create and submit the entire ICS2 filing to EU authorities. You are just responsible for providing us with your cargo details (house data) and master data and ensuring that it is accurate and sent to us on time.
What is a multiple filing?To use our multiple filing service, you must have a connection to the EU Shared Trader Interface (STI) system. We will file the master data to the EU authorities via the STI system. In due time, you must file your house level data directly to the EU STI system.
The trucking company is responsible for filing the entire ENS declaration and notifying the Shared Trade Interface system of its arrival.
Accompanied vehicles must file a dataset for road traffic but within the timeline for sea freight.
For short sea, including all DFDS routes, ENS declarations must be filed within the EU Shared Trader Interface system at the latest two hours before arrival at the first EU port.
We are updating our booking system, Myfreight2, in response to the new ICS2 regulations. These changes ensure compliance with updated customs requirements and will introduce new fields that must be filled in during the booking process.
Here are the key fields you need to be aware of:
Cargo Line: Identified by the unique seller and buyer details.
Sub-Cargo Line: Identified by the unique HS codes, reflecting more detailed cargo information.
HS Code Field: As part of ICS2 compliance, it is now mandatory to provide accurate HS codes for all items being shipped, ensuring proper customs clearance and smoother international trade.
These new fields will enhance data accuracy and help meet regulatory demands, so please ensure you're familiar with the updated system to avoid delays or issues with shipments.
Routes affected by ICS2 regulations
All routes between EU ports and non-EU ports are subject to ICS2 regulations.