GSF and FIATA Reissue ICS2 Data Guidance as Final Milestone Reached
London/Geneva, 3 September 2025 - The European Union's advance cargo information system, ICS2, has been fully implemented from 1st September with notifications for all shipments entering or transiting the EU Customs Territory by truck or train now mandatory. This completes the 5-year roll-out of the ICS2 system that was first introduced for air cargo in 2021, and for sea transport during 2024.
With this major milestone, GSF and FIATA have updated and reissued their joint guidance to shippers and forwarders on the quality of data required to be submitted in order to meet the demanding standards of EU Customs authorities and avoid delays and possible penalties for non-compliance.
The GSF/FIATA Guidance Note on Data Quality and Information Exchange Requirements for the ICS2 Regime sets out the detailed information that shippers of goods need to provide their forwarder or contracted carrier for each consignment destined for the countries in the EU Customs Territory, which consists of the 27 EU member states plus Switzerland, Norway and Northern Ireland.
The carrier or forwarder is responsible for submitting this information in the form of a partial or full Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) by a specified time prior to loading the goods on an aircraft or ship, or arrival at the EUCT border on a truck or train. However, the level of detail required for each item in a shipment will normally only be known to the original shipper and close co-operation between shippers and forwarders is necessary to ensure that timely, accurate and complete information is submitted in accordance with the ICS2 deadlines.
Failure to meet the deadlines or provide the required information in the correct format at the right level of detail will result in delays and possible penalties for non-compliance. The GSF/FIATA guidance includes separate checklists for shippers and forwarders itemising the actions each party should take to ensure the ICS2 requirements can be met.
James Hookham, Secretary General of the Global Shippers Forum said:
"Upgrading and interconnecting the data systems of EU Customs authorities and establishing and testing the connections for thousands of carriers, forwarders, and Customs agents has been a major undertaking over the past 5 years. But from 1 September the focus has switched from technology to data quality as ICS2 submissions became mandatory across all modes of transport".
"Although ICS2 is a "Brussels" regulation it has a big impact on shippers outside the European Union. Freight forwarders acting for shippers will be requesting more detailed information than was necessary in the past. Our joint guidance with FIATA aims to demystify the ICS2 data requirements and help the right quality of data to be provided to avoid delays and frustrations for exporters to the EU Customs Territory".
Dr Stéphane Graber, Director General of FIATA said:
“Freight forwarders are the vital link between shippers and carriers, and with ICS2 now fully implemented, their role in ensuring the secure, accurate and timely submission of data has never been more important. By conducting multiple filing, forwarders provide original data from the source at the earliest opportunity while protecting sensitive commercial information and reinforcing trust in the supply chain. The success of ICS2 ultimately depends on close collaboration between all commercial parties to ensure complete and compliant data. This updated guidance developed by FIATA and GSF offers practical support to shippers and forwarders in meeting their responsibilities and avoiding costly disruptions.”
About FIATA
FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations is a non-governmental, membership-based organisation representing freight forwarders in some 150 territories. FIATA’s membership is composed of 111 Associations Members and more than 6,000 Individual Members, overall representing an industry of over 40,000 freight forwarding and logistics firms worldwide. Based in Geneva, FIATA is ‘the global voice of freight logistics'.
Media Contact
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About Global Shippers Forum
GSF is the global business organisation speaking up for exporters and importers as cargo owners in international trade and transport. Its members are national and regional shippers’ associations representing thousands of manufacturing, wholesaling, and retailing businesses across five continents. GSF works for safe, competitively efficient, and environmentally sustainable global trade and logistics.
Contact GSF
James Hookham, GSF Secretary General
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+44 78 18 45 04 40