Please note that as of 1 January 2026:

Full ICS2 implementation will apply to all goods movements from the United Kingdom to the EU.

This means:

• Every shipment entering the EU from the United Kingdom will require a valid ENS declaration submitted in ICS2 (Import Control System 2 – the EU’s new pre-arrival safety and security system).
• ICS2 “multiple filing” becomes the standard — requiring more detailed data (HS codes, shipper/consignee details, packaging information, etc.).
• European authorities will begin enforcing penalties and conducting stricter checks in cases of missing or incomplete ENS.
• Carriers, freight forwarders and UK exporters are fully responsible for the quality and accuracy of pre-arrival data.

This measure aims to strengthen import security and improve customs risk management. It mainly affects carriers and logistics operators, who will be required to submit goods information before arrival in the EU.

What is the ENS?

The ENS is a declaration that must be submitted by carriers before goods arrive in the EU. It contains essential information about the shipment, such as:

• Description of the goods
  • HS codes (Harmonized System)
  • Shipper and consignee details
  • Mode of transport

This declaration helps customs authorities better assess risks and reinforce import security.

Impact for carriers:

The introduction of the ENS will lead to organisational and financial impacts for carriers:

1. New submission deadlines:
   The ENS must be lodged before the goods arrive in the EU, requiring earlier planning and stricter compliance with information-submission timelines.
2. Administrative costs:
   Collecting, managing, and submitting the additional ENS-required information will generate extra costs. This includes time spent gathering data, updating internal processes, and ensuring compliance.
3. System updates:
   Carriers will need to adapt their IT systems to integrate ENS into their logistics workflows. This may require investment in specific software/tools and training for relevant teams.
4. Risk of delays:
   Although the system aims to streamline import management, any delay or omission in ENS submission may lead to border hold-ups and extra costs due to enhanced controls.
5. Risk of waiting times at the ferry:
   Although SAFRAM is prepared for this change, practical implementation remains uncertain. Some carriers may not be ready and could be refused boarding. This may cause congestion and unusual waiting times, even for carriers with a compliant ENS.

Conclusion:

The introduction of ENS (United Kingdom → EU), while designed to improve trade security and efficiency, will result in additional costs for carriers. They will need to adapt their processes and systems to comply with this new requirement.

SAFRAM has been working on this topic for several months and is ready for implementation:

• We have access to the necessary IT systems to submit these declarations.
  • We have already successfully carried out several tests ahead of go-live.
  • Our staff is currently undergoing training.
  • Recruitment is underway to strengthen existing teams to absorb the additional workload.

SAFRAM will do everything possible to manage this regulatory change.
If any deliveries are affected, our Customer Service will inform the relevant parties on a case-by-case basis.

Best regards,
Team SAFRAM