The deployment of the European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is entering a critical phase for road goods transport. From 1 January 2026, several EU countries will decommission ICS1, meaning Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) for goods entering or transiting through the EU by road must be submitted via ICS2. Further roll‑outs will follow on 1 June 2026. There is no enforcement grace period, so make sure you are ready to avoid delays and penalties.
Countries applying ICS2 for road transport from 1 January 2026 include Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Lithuania, Hungary, Finland, Greece and Bulgaria. The United Kingdom will also apply ICS2 for Northern Ireland.
From 1 June 2026, Croatia, Latvia, Poland, Romania and Slovakia will follow.
Several countries, including Austria, Germany, Denmark, and others, have already been applying ICS2 since September 2025.
ICS2 is designed to strengthen pre-arrival security by mandating the submission of comprehensive shipment data prior to entry into the EU, thereby enabling customs to conduct advanced risk assessments and mitigate potential threats.
Each consignment will require a separate ENS, filed before arrival at the border. Gathering accurate data from partners and ensuring timely submission will be critical.
IRU supporting the industry
IRU is working closely with the European Commission, national authorities and industry partners to ensure implementation timeframes accommodate the readiness of both public and private sectors. Our goal is to maintain the smooth flow of goods and prevent bottlenecks at borders.
Following IRU’s advocacy, the Commission is developing a multiple filing option for road transport under ICS2, allowing different parties to contribute data to a single ENS. This functionality is expected in the second half of 2026. Until then, single filing remains mandatory.
IRU is also providing guidance, training and tools to help operators integrate ICS2 requirements into their workflows.
TIR-EPD: A practical solution
To support compliance for TIR movements, IRU has enhanced TIR‑EPD to enable ENS submission directly to ICS2 customs systems for TIR movements. Operators can submit ENS together with an Electronic Pre‑Declaration (EPD) or independently. For multi‑consignment journeys, the system automatically generates individual ENS declarations from a single TIR carnet.
Associations and trusted representatives can also submit ENS on behalf of TIR holders.
With ICS1 being phased out from January 2026, make sure you are ready and start preparing now.
Looking ahead
The transition to ICS2 for road transport marks a significant change for the industry, requiring new processes and closer coordination across supply chains. IRU remains actively engaged with the European Commission, national authorities and industry partners to ensure implementation is practical and timelines reflect operational realities.
Through advocacy and innovation, IRU is committed to helping its members and operators navigate these changes smoothly. From influencing policy on multiple filing to enhancing tools like TIR‑EPD, IRU’s focus remains clear: supporting the industry with solutions that keep goods moving efficiently and securely.