As part of its enhanced security framework, the European Union (EU) has implemented Import Control System 2 (ICS2), in order to collect data about all goods entering the EU prior to their arrival. Since 4 December 2024, all shipments entering, transhipping via, or remaining on board (FROB) in the European Union (EU) countries, Norway, Switzerland, and Northern Ireland, are required to comply with the ICS2 requirements.
A range of mandatory and more detailed information about the goods being transported will need to be electronically submitted in the ICS2 system in the form of a complete Entry Summary Declaration (ENS).
Filing Responsibilities:
Under the new ICS2 requirements, all freight forwarders and NVOCCs who issue HBLs will have to do the complete ENS filing in the ICS2 system.
As the master loader, Thrutainers International will handle the ENS submission at the master level. For shipments co-loaded with us, freight forwarders acting as self-filers must provide their valid EORI number to us.
Once received, Thrutainers will proceed with the ENS submission at the HBL level and include the forwarder’s EORI number in the supplementary declarant field.
In parallel, freight forwarders will also be responsible for filing their own ENS for the lowest HBL level, using the actual shipper and consignee details.
This dual-level filing is mandatory for compliance with ICS2 requirements for affected shipments and has become compulsory since 1 April 2025.
To comply with ICS2 requirements, all House Bills of Lading (HBLs) must have ENS data submitted before the cut-off. The following details are required:
- A complete, detailed commercial description of each item in the shipment.
- 6-digit Harmonized System (HS) code for every item, providing a clear classification as per international trade standards.
- Full contact details of all parties involved in the transaction. This includes the full addresses of the seller, buyer, actual shipper (consignor) and actual consignee of the goods.
- The EORI number for all parties involved. The EORI number is a unique identifier required for businesses and individuals involved in trading with the EU.
- Goods/containers transhipping via EU Ports also have to submit ENS data, however no EORI number is required.
For these timeous ENS submissions Thrutainers International will invoice:
- USD50 per HBL submission if fulfilling all filing requirements for ENS submission and Freight Forwarder is not acting as self-filer.
- USD25 per HBL if the Freight Forwarder is acting as self-filer, and provides us with a valid EORI number timeously, in order to meet ENS filing deadlines.
We thank you for your understanding.