Tech-led customs and freight forwarding specialist, Zelir Logistics, has warned that ongoing uncertainty round implementation and enforcement of the EU’s new Import Management System 2 (ICS2) is creating pointless danger for UK provide chains.
ICS2 – the modernised platform for processing Entry Abstract Declarations (ENS) – formally got here into impact on January 1, 2026, marking the tip of a transition interval, and the beginning of enforcement motion for non-compliance. Nevertheless, the image throughout Europe is fragmented, with member states adopting a seemingly inconsistent strategy round enforcement.
In keeping with Kent-based Zelir, that is resulting in confusion, and even non-compliance in some instances.
“There’s a whole lot of uncertainty and blended messaging round this roll-out. We’re getting stories that transporters who haven’t received the paperwork are usually not being stopped on the border. Some carriers don’t even know what ICS2 is, and others are usually not positive what the principles imply,” mentioned Zelir Logistics Director, Joe Jeffery. “Because of this, there are a lot of carriers who haven’t carried out ICS2 but, and once they don’t see it being enforced, it slips additional down the precedence checklist.”
‘Non-compliance not well worth the danger’
Nevertheless, with different modifications pending, such because the deployment of ELO (the Compulsory Logistics Envelope) for passing by means of the Good Border between the UK and the EU at France, Joe is worried that non-compliance will meet up with companies sooner fairly than later.
“ELO has additionally been delayed, which provides to the uncertainty, however we all know it’s coming, and also you gained’t have the ability to get this with out ICS2. So a method or one other, transporters might want to motion ICS2. In the mean time, we’re seeing round a 60% ICS2 compliance price, however we’re advising our purchasers to not take the danger,” Jeffery (pictured, under) mentioned. “Formally, it’s stay and it’s necessary and each truck ought to have one, so despite the fact that an additional price could also be incurred if paying a 3rd celebration to finish the ICS2 purposes, we’re attempting to information our purchasers on the appropriate path. This prevents the gamble on the port as to which states will implement and when, and means transporters may have routines in place when ELO kicks in.”
What’s ICS2
ICS2 is a sophisticated cargo info system designed to spice up safety within the worldwide transportation of products. All operators who carry items by means of the EU should present enhanced cargo information to customs, for improved identification of high-risk consignments. The third launch of ICS2, carried out on January 1st, applies to highway, rail and sea. Info must be submitted shortly earlier than the products arrive on the first EU customs workplace of entry.
Knowledge required features a detailed items description, six-digit HS code, transport means and routing, and particulars of service, consignor, consignee, purchaser and vendor. There’s additionally the choice for a number of submitting by completely different events.
Zelir Logistics helps agency with all parts of customs compliance, together with creating ICS2 submissions on their behalf, and making ready for ELO.
“After all the uncertainty isn’t useful, as we shouldn’t must guess when one thing can be carried out or enforced. Regardless of this, we’d strongly encourage companies to construct ICS2 into their routines now, each to scale back danger of enforcement and to minimise provide chain disruptions attributable to the implementation of recent programs as a lot as potential,” concluded Jeffery.
