When goods are transported into the European Union, businesses must comply with the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) regulations on safety and security.
All cargo entering the European Union is now required to be accompanied by an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) in addition to the necessary customs documentation. The ENS declaration provides detailed information about the shipment, including the HS code, number of packages, cargo description, and buyer/seller details. It must be submitted electronically to the EU Shared Trader Interface (STI) – a centralised risk assessment system that determines whether the cargo can enter the EU, requires further inspection, or is denied entry.
Still, not all ENS filings are the same. Based on your business needs, you can choose between single and multiple filing options. Understanding the difference between these filing types is essential to ensuring compliance and maintaining uninterrupted logistics operations. Learn the distinctions between the different ENS filing types and how DFDS' expertise supports the process.
Single filing
Single filing is the most straightforward submission method. In this setup, DFDS takes full responsibility for submitting the ENS to the EU authorities. All you have to do is to provide the necessary cargo details and master data – such as total weight, HS codes, and number of packages – and we will take care of the rest.
Single filing is ideal for companies seeking a fully managed, hands-off process. There is no need to establish or maintain a connection to the EU STI system, as DFDS oversees the entire submission process and ensures all data is transmitted accurately and on time.
Depending on the shipment’s complexity, two single filing types are available:
F10 is used when the cargo owner is also the shipper. This option applies when there is only one buyer/seller.
F11 is used for more complex shipments involving multiple cargo lines with different sellers and buyers.
Multiple filing
Multiple filing is a collaborative approach in which several parties submit data to complete the ENS declaration. In this setup, DFDS submits the master data, while you or your designated representative use a system connected to the EU STI to submit the house-level data.
Multiple filing is best suited for companies with complex logistics operations or those that need direct control over the data submitted.
Please note that on certain routes DFDS can only provide the multiple filing option.
The multiple filing types are:
F12 is the master filing submitted by DFDS. To complete the ENS, F12 must be paired with either F15 or F14 + F16. The F15 filing contains house-level data, including buyer and seller information, while the F14 and F16 filings are divided between multiple parties: F14 contains house-level cargo details, and F16 contains buyer and seller information.
F13 is an alternative master filing that we can submit, but it must be paired with F17, which includes both house-level cargo and buyer/seller information. Like single filing, where only one buyer/seller can be recorded, this option is typically used when the cargo owner is also the shipper.
These combinations offer flexibility in data preparation and submission, but each requires careful coordination to ensure regulatory compliance.
Combining data for multiple filing
It is essential that the different F-messages are combined correctly to ensure a complete ENS declaration.
F14, F15, F16, and F17 are all house- and buyer/seller-level filings, submitted by the customer or their designated representative.
F12 and F13 are master data filings, submitted by DFDS.
The data is matched using the Bill of Lading (BL) number and EORI numbers:
Carrier (DFDS) filing master data provides: Master Bill of Lading + EORI of the house filer
House filer filing house data provides: Master Bill of Lading + EORI of the master filer
Route-specific requirements
It’s important to note that for some routes the filing types are limited.
France: Only multiple filing is available for unaccompanied units. This means you must submit house-level data directly or appoint a representative to do so on your behalf.
Netherlands: A special setup applies for multiple filing, using the F13 master filing paired with F17. This is required by Dutch customs, as each cargo line must have a separate ENS to align with import clearance requirements.
How DFDS supports filing requirements
Whether you choose single or multiple filing, DFDS is committed to making the process smooth and fully compliant. For single filing, we manage the entire process, allowing you to focus on your core operations. For multiple filing, we provide guidance and submit the master data, while you or your designated representative must set up the STI connection and submit house- and buyer/seller-level data.
By offering both filing options, we ensure that businesses of all sizes and complexities can meet the ICS2 regulations effectively.
