The European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) has revolutionized the way goods are cleared at EU borders. With its phased rollout, ICS2 required Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) for air cargo starting in 2023 and later expanded to include maritime, road, and rail shipments. As compliance deadlines have passed or are fast approaching, businesses must adapt to avoid delays and disruptions. Trade Tech offers a comprehensive solution to simplify this process.
What is ICS2?
ICS2 is the EU’s security filing program designed to enhance border security by requiring pre-arrival data submissions. Initially applied to air cargo, the program expanded to include maritime shipments in late 2024 and early 2025. By September 1, 2025, road and rail shipments were also brought under ICS2 requirements, making it essential for businesses to have prepared in advance.
Key Challenges of ICS2 Compliance
ICS2 introduced new responsibilities for businesses, including:
- Submitting ENS before goods arrived at the EU border.
- Defining filing responsibilities across teams and partners.
- Ensuring data accuracy to avoid delays or penalties.
Failure to comply resulted in customs delays, additional checks, or even blocked shipments.
How Trade Tech Simplified ICS2 Compliance
Trade Tech provided a single platform to manage ENS filings across all transport modes—air, ocean, road, and rail. Here’s how it worked:
- Real-Time Customs Tracking: Businesses could monitor customs responses instantly to address issues without delay.
- Built-In Validation: Errors or missing data were caught before submission, ensuring smooth processing.
- Multi-Mode Filing: The platform supported direct input, TMS integration, and partner filing across all transport modes.
- Clear Responsibilities: Filing tasks were assigned and tracked to ensure nothing fell through the cracks.
Preparing for Road and Rail Compliance
By September 2025, road and rail shipments required ENS filings. Trade Tech helped businesses prepare by:
- Running test filings to identify potential issues.
- Setting up workflows for seamless data collection and submission.
- Establishing clear handover points with partners.
Why Businesses Chose Trade Tech
Trade Tech’s platform was designed to meet the unique challenges of ICS2 compliance. Key features included:
- A cloud-based system for seamless filing across all modes.
- Direct integration with EU customs systems for faster processing.
- Flexible options for direct filing, integrations, or full-service support.
With over 600,000 security filings processed monthly and a history of compliance expertise dating back to 2002, Trade Tech became a trusted partner for businesses navigating ICS2.
Staying Ahead of ICS2 Deadlines
ICS2 compliance was not just about meeting regulatory requirements—it was about protecting supply chains from disruptions. Whether filing ENS for air, ocean, road, or rail shipments, Trade Tech provided the tools and support businesses needed to stay compliant and efficient.