ICS2 is the EU’s Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) system, introduced several years ago to strengthen safety and security checks at the border. The UK has had a derogation that allowed trade with the EU without lodging an ENS. That derogation ends in September 2025. From that date, all UK outbound traffic to the EU, like movements between Great Britain and Ireland, will require two separate filings: the Import Declaration MRN for customs clearance and a separate ENS submission to ICS2.

For transport managers working UK/Ireland routes, this is a significant change.

‍

How ICS2 Works

ICS2 requires carriers (or their representatives) to lodge safety and security data before goods arrive in the EU. For road freight from the UK to Ireland, this means an ENS must be submitted before the goods cross the Irish border, alongside the usual import declaration.

Delays or incomplete submissions can result in holds at ports or refused boarding.

This isn’t just another form to fill out. ICS2 allows customs to run risk checks before the goods arrive. If your declaration is late, incomplete, or inaccurate, your truck is more likely to be stopped. That can mean:

• Missed ferry or sailing slots
• Late deliveries
• Extra costs and fines
• Frustrated clients

‍

A Simple Way to Manage ICS2 Compliance

Stratum is delighted to let the market know that we have just launched our new CustomsClouds application that allows you to complete all your customs paperwork automatically.

Instead of juggling separate systems or manual entries, CustomsClouds allows you to file your customs declarations in one connected workflow.

Productivity plummets as time is wasted on manual data entry for Revenue and HMRC's online services. Our automation connects direct to their APIs to cut out the middle man and complete this manual work for you. No logging onto external websites, no paper-chasing or manual admin work, all with full visibility and a transparent chain of custody.

‍

Get started with CustomsClouds

We are offering early bird discounts for customers that would like to get on board now and enjoy the huge timesavings with Automated Customs Procedures. We have already seen huge success with our Port Automation system, taking hours and sometimes days out of port declaration and status checks. CustomsClouds brings that same efficiency to customs paperwork.

We are offering early bird discounts for customers who want to get set up now and benefit from the timesavings of automated customs processes. The new ICS2 requirement is not optional... if your process is slow or unreliable now, you risk getting left behind in the future.

Why not remove the admin and make compliance automatic? Contact us and learn about our new CustomsClouds platform, or visit our site and sign up to let us know you're interested.

‍

Final Thoughts

‍The end of the UK’s ENS derogation is a major procedural shift for anyone moving goods between the UK and Ireland. It is not something that can be left until the last minute. Every shipment will need both an Import Declaration MRN and an ENS lodged on time.

By using tools like CustomsClouds, hauliers can meet these requirements without adding more manual admin, ensuring freight keeps moving and compliance stays intact.

‍