As the EU rolls out its new Import Control System 2 (ICS2), we are ready to support businesses navigating the evolving customs landscape through our powerful e-Customs services.
The next phase of the ICS2 rollout, covering road and rail movements, was initially planned for September 2025. While its implementation has now been postponed in some countries to an unconfirmed date, the requirements are coming, and businesses need to prepare or in some scenarios, be ready on September 1, 2025.
Our e-Customs services, which include specialist software, have been developed to help businesses submit accurate customs declarations and comply with the new ICS2 requirements once enforcement begins.
What is changing with ICS2?
ICS2 is the EU's enhanced pre-arrival security and risk assessment system. When fully implemented, all goods entering or transiting through the EU must be covered by an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), whether the transit is by road, rail, air or sea.
This updated protocol, which requires all goods to be pre-declared, has been implemented to bolster supply chain security, facilitate risk assessment and keep trade flowing smoothly.
This final phase of the ICS2 rollout completes the transition from the older ICS1 system and extends the requirements to goods moved by road and rail, aligning them with other transport modes. While the go-live date for all countries is still to be confirmed, businesses that move goods across EU borders will soon need to meet these stricter data requirements or risk delays, rejections or penalties.
How we help businesses stay compliant
Our e-Customs software is fully equipped to help you with ICS2 compliance. As a powerful, cloud-based customs and excise management platform, it is designed to simplify international trade processes. With connections to all UK ports and connected widely across EU customs systems, our e-Customs services enable businesses to take complete control of their shipments. The service covers import and export declarations, excise goods, hazardous goods, shipping documents, and key procedures such as inward processing and CFSP.
e-Customs platform users benefit from:
- Secure access from anywhere in the world
- Pre-populated declarations and automated data exchange using your existing business systems, reducing the need for duplicate data entry
- Integration with HMRC, UK and EU port systems, ensuring declarations are processed quickly and compliantly
- Customized configurations to support a wide range of user needs and declaration types
- Live chat, phone and email support, backed by a team with over 100 years of combined customs experience
Our comprehensive customs service combines software with the backing of our in-house experts. From consultancy and duty guarantees to brokerage and Pan-European transit solutions, we ensure you get the tailored support you need to make the process of clearing goods at UK and EU ports quicker and easier.
Proactive support for what’s ahead
With the new ICS2 requirements on the horizon, we are encouraging businesses to act early.
We help you prepare for every aspect, enabling you to:
- Understand how ICS2 will impact your operations
- Streamline your declarations process
- Get support from a trusted customs partner
ICS2 for road and rail may be delayed, but it is coming. With our software and tailored customs services, we can give your business the tools it needs to stay ahead of compliance and keep its goods moving across borders with confidence.
Want to learn how we can streamline your ICS2 readiness and make your customs transit smoother than ever?
Find out more by visiting our e-Customs page.
Or please contact:
Andy Maber
Business Development Manger
Trade Facilitation Services
t: +44 (0)151 350 6666
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
