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The European Union ICS2 and ENS Filing Systems

Understanding the Difference Between ICS2 Filing and EU ENS Filing

When preparing for international shipping to the European Union, it's essential to understand the customs clearance requirements, including ENS Filing and ICS2 Filing. Many shippers, including both commercial exporters and individuals, are confused by these terms, especially when they are charged separately. Here's what you need to know in clear, simple terms.

EU ENS Filing refers to the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), a mandatory customs security filing required before goods enter the European Union (EU). This filing notifies EU customs authorities about the items being shipped, the shipper, and the destination. ENS has long been a requirement for all transport methods—by air, sea, road, and rail—as part of the EU’s original Import Control System (ICS).

To enhance safety and compliance across the region, the EU is introducing a more advanced system, known as ICS2 (Import Control System 2). This system is being rolled out in phases and applies to international shipping companies involved in moving goods into the EU. ICS2 requires more detailed information, including Harmonized System (HS) codes, consignee and consignor data, and even buyer/seller information in some cases. While ICS2 is gradually replacing ENS, both systems are currently being used in parallel in many situations.

If you’ve noticed that you're being charged separately for ICS2 and ENS filings, there’s a reason. These filings are processed through different IT systems and may require different sets of data. That’s why logistics providers and international shipping companies often treat them as separate services. Until ICS2 fully replaces ENS across all EU member states and transport types, it’s common for shippers to pay for both filings.

For anyone managing international shipping costs, understanding the difference between ENS and ICS2 can help prevent surprises and unnecessary delays. Whether you're working with a logistics provider or submitting documentation through a customs broker, being informed about these filing requirements is crucial for staying compliant and avoiding additional fees.

FAQs on ICS2 and EU ENS Filing

What is EU ENS Filing?

ENS stands for Entry Summary Declaration. It’s a customs security filing that must be submitted before cargo enters the EU.

• It informs EU Customs of the items being shipped, the shipper, and the destination.
• It was required before ICS2, under the original ICS (Import Control System).
• Think of ENS as the basic pre-arrival notice for goods entering the EU.

What is ICS2 Filing?

ICS2 stands for Import Control System 2, and it's the new and updated system the EU is rolling out in phases.

• It replaces and expands the old ENS system.
• ICS2 requires more detailed data, including HS codes, consignee info, and even seller/buyer data in some cases.
• It’s part of the EU’s push for better security and risk management at its borders.
• ICS2 affects air, sea, rail, and road shipments, depending on the rollout phase.

Why Are You Charged for Both ICS2 and ENS Filings?

You’re likely being charged separately because:

• ENS is the basic EU security filing (from the older system). Still required in many cases.
• ICS2 is the new, more detailed EU security filing. Separate data and processing.

The destinations are:

1. ENS Filing is still technically mandatory under EU law, especially in certain member states or when handled by older systems.
2. ICS2 Filing is an additional and separate filing required by the new EU customs platform.
3. Both filings may be processed through different IT systems and require distinct sets of data, so logistics companies (or customs brokers) treat them as separate services.
4. Software fees, data entry, and communication with multiple customs portals might be billed separately by your carrier or broker.

If you regularly ship to the EU from the USA, both filings may now be part of the process until ICS2 fully replaces ENS across all transport modes.