EU’s New ICS2 Customs Rules Leave UK Carriers Scratching Their Heads

Summary

Europe’s new Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is now in force and requires advance electronic shipment information for goods arriving in many EU states. The rollout began on 1 January for countries such as Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Lithuania, Hungary, Finland, Greece and Bulgaria, while several other states have temporary derogations that allow ICS1 to remain in use until 1 June.

Enforcement is inconsistent across the bloc: some trucks without the correct paperwork are being waved through, others are being stopped, and many carriers — especially in the UK — remain uncertain about the rules. Industry sources estimate roughly 60% of operators have submitted ICS2 filings so far. France’s forthcoming Smart Border and the Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO) will increase the need for correct ICS2 submissions, meaning the current window of lenient enforcement may close later in 2026.

Key Points

ICS2 became mandatory on 1 January for several EU member states; some countries retain derogations until 1 June.
The system requires detailed pre-arrival data: what’s being carried, sender/receiver details and other shipment specifics.
Enforcement across the EU is mixed — some borders are lenient while others are already carrying out checks.
Industry estimates suggest only about 60% of operators have completed ICS2 filings to date; many hauliers haven’t implemented it yet.
France’s Smart Border and the Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO) will depend on ICS2 filings, raising compliance stakes.
Failing to submit correct declarations risks delays, holds, turn-backs at the border and potential fines as enforcement tightens through 2026.

Context and relevance

This matters to UK carriers, freight forwarders, 3PLs and shippers moving goods into the EU. The change is part of a wider trend towards digital pre-clearance and risk-based border controls that accelerated after Brexit and during the pandemic. Mixed enforcement creates a dangerous complacency: if operators wait until checks become uniform, they may face operational disruption and financial penalties.

Organisations should review their declarations process, update EDI or customs software, train operations staff and confirm partners are filing ICS2 data correctly now — not later.

Why should I read this

Short and blunt: if you move freight into the EU, this affects you. Right now enforcement is patchy, so some firms are tempted to ignore it — big mistake. The grace period won’t last. Read this so you know the risk (delays, fines, rejected loads) and can act before the rules bite. We skimmed the hassle so you don’t have to — here’s the bit you need to know.

Author style

Punchy: a practical warning wrapped in plain terms. This isn’t theoretical — it’s a compliance ticking clock. If your business touches cross‑channel freight, get ICS2 sorted before summer or expect headaches.