ICS2 ROLLOUT FOR ROAD TRANSPORT ENTERS A CRITICAL PHASE
The EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is entering a decisive phase for road transport operators. From 1 January 2026, several Member States will switch off the old ICS1 system, meaning that Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) for goods entering or transiting the EU by road must be submitted through ICS2. There will be no grace period, so lack of readiness may lead to delays and penalties at the border.
From January 2026, ICS2 will apply to road movements in Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Lithuania, Hungary, Finland, Greece and Bulgaria. The UK will also apply ICS2 for movements into Northern Ireland. A second wave will follow on 1 June 2026, covering Croatia, Latvia, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. Other countries, including Austria, Germany and Denmark, have already been using ICS2 since autumn 2025.
ICS2 requires detailed shipment data to be submitted before arrival, allowing customs authorities to carry out advance security risk analysis. Each consignment needs its own ENS, making early data collection and coordination with partners essential.
The World Road Transport organisation, IRU, is supporting operators by working closely with the European Commission and national authorities, providing guidance and training, and enhancing practical tools such as TIR-EPD. IRU has also secured progress on a future “multiple filing” option, expected in the second half of 2026. Until then, single filing remains mandatory.
CLECAT has similarly been actively supporting its members throughout the ICS2 transition. This includes preparing practical guidance documents, development of multiple filing option for air and maritime sectors, organising information exchanges with Member States and the European Commission, and raising members’ concerns on system readiness and operational feasibility. CLECAT has consistently advocated for realistic implementation timelines where national or EU-level IT systems were not yet fully ready. In addition, CLECAT has promoted the continued and expanded use of combined transit declarations via the transit IT system (NCTS) as a practical facilitation measure for road operators – a solution comparable in function to IRU’s combined TIR-ENS data provision – helping to reduce duplication, administrative burden and the risk of disruption at borders.