Prepare your business for 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 filing = Single filing

• Place of acceptance (UNLOCODE or City & Country)

• Place of delivery (UNLOCODE or City & Country)

• Buyer address

• Seller address

• H/S code

• Optional sub cargo (multiple H/S codes with same buyer and seller)

• UN number (for hazardous cargo)

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 filing = Multiple filing

• Place of acceptance (UNLOCODE or City & Country)

• Place of delivery (UNLOCODE or City & Country)

• H/S code

• Optional sub cargo (multiple H/S codes with same buyer and seller)

• UN number (for hazardous cargo)

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 must connect with ICS2 between 3 Jun and 4 Dec 2024 - DFDS Ferry Division plans to go live 25 Nov 2024

• Maritime house filers must connect between 4 Dec 2024 and 1 Apr 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.

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.

Filing ENS on accompanied vehicles is the responsibility of the haulier/trucking company. DFDS offers to file as a brokerage service.

If we are requested to file, we will need all details for single filing in the booking*.

If you choose to do the filing yourself, you need to provide the ENS MRN.   *For Dutch routes (to Rotterdam and Amsterdam) DFDS is legally obliged to submit ENS data and therefore single filing is the only option and all ICS2 data needs to be provided.

If you choose multiple filing or to do your own filing for accompanied units, it is your responsibility that the filing is done on time.

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, MyFreight 2, 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.

Follow this guide to learn more on providing required information via MyFreight 2.

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 improve data accuracy and help meet regulatory demands. Please familiarise yourself with the updated system to prevent delays or issues with shipments.