The EU ICS2 Release 3 is expanding to rail and road transport—Act Now! 

As part of the European Union’s (EU) effort to enhance supply chain security and risk assessment, the EU Import Control System 2 (ICS2) will apply to rail and road transport from 1 April 2025, in addition to the existing air, maritime, and inland waterway requirements.

To remain compliant, economic operators who are not ready by this date are strongly encouraged to contact the National Service Desk of the EU Member State (National Customs Authority) where their Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is registered to request a deployment window as soon as possible before the go-live date scheduled for their transport mode. The deployment window is not automatically applicable by default, and requires a specific request issued by the Economic Operator.   

This expansion builds upon existing requirements for air, maritime, and inland waterway shipments, creating a harmonised pre-arrival customs framework across all transport modes.  

1 September 2025 is the day when ICS2 compliance becomes mandatory for all rail and road economic operators.

Who is Affected? 

• Rail and road carriers transporting goods into or through the EU. 
• Postal and express operators using road or rail networks for deliveries. 
• Logistics providers and freight forwarders involved in cargo movement by road or rail. 
• Certain final consignees established in the EU, in specific cases. 

Key Compliance Requirements: 

• Provide Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) submission (mandatory): Economic operators must provide complete and accurate ENS data before the arrival of goods in the EU. 
• Request a deployment window as soon as possible: If you are not yet ready, contact your National Customs Authority to ensure a smooth transition. 

Failure to comply may result in cargo delays, penalties, or cargo not being cleared for entry into the EU. 

How to Prepare for ICS2 Release 3: 

• Update IT systems: Ensure your technology is compatible with ICS2 for seamless data exchange. 
• Train staff and business partners: Equip your team with the necessary knowledge of ICS2 processes and compliance measures. 
• Conduct self-conformance testing: Verify your ability to connect with EU customs authorities and submit ENS data correctly. 

Option of Multiple filing:  

By the end of 2025, in addition to single ENS filing, ICS2 will also enable multiple filing, where more than one particle ENS filing is submitted by different parties in the supply chain. In case of multiple filing, the carrier and house filer need to proactively communicate with each other to agree who provides the partial ENS filings and to exchange the necessary information. 

Essential Resources to Help You Comply: 

• ICS2 Rail & Road Factsheets – Detailed guidance on the new requirements. 
• eLearning Module for Rail and Road  – Step-by-step training.  
• Factsheet on Multiple filing - Multiple filing of an entry summary declaration (ENS) 
• FIATA & GSF ICS2 Data Quality Guidance  
• More information about ICS2 is available on the European Commission’s webpage 

Act now to avoid disruptions—ensure your operations align with ICS2 Release 3 by 1 April 2025.