10 February ICS2 Release 3 2025: new obligations for importers

ICS2 Release 3 – new responsibilities for importers starting with 2025

Summary

ICS2 Release 3 2025 requires importers and their partners to submit data on goods entering the EU in advance. The aim is to assess risks before arrival, with a direct impact on customs clearance times and security.

Full text

After the first waves of implementation, ICS2 Release 3 extends the system to all modes of transport, including road and rail for the first time. From the beginning of 2025, goods entering the EU by land will require a full Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) to be lodged prior to arrival. The obligation applies to carriers, post/express and other actors in the chain; in some cases, the EU consignee must also provide the ENS data. This allows authorities to carry out risk analysis before the goods reach the border, and the legal flow moves more securely and predictably.

For companies, newness means data and process discipline. Clear descriptions of goods, correct tariff codes, sender/recipient identifiers, routes, times. Then, adapting internal systems: who collects the fields, how they are validated, how they are transmitted. Last but not least, the alignment of partners (carriers, shipping companies) who must submit on time and correctly; otherwise, the risk moves to customs clearance, through blockages and additional requests.

The calendar provided for transition windows until September 1, 2025, depending on the member state, but the rule is clear: ICS2 becomes the single standard in 2025 for all modes of transport. From that point on, submitting the ENS according to the new specifications is no longer optional. Missing or late data can lead to goods being stopped and unforeseen costs.

If resources are limited, outsourcing is often the practical solution. As customs broker, iGo Customs takes over the preparation and submission of ENS, verifies the data and manages communication with authorities. This way, importers remain focused on operations and ICS2 compliance becomes a manageable routine, not a time-consuming project.

source

Do you have any questions?

We help you with ENS/ICS2 and customs brokerage — tell us your route and role in the chain.

Customs consultancy