ICS2 Update for Maritime House-Level Filers: What You Need to Know
- Freya Jane
- Director of Customer's Success
As of April 1, 2025, maritime house-level filers, such as freight forwarders, must comply with the EU Import Control System 2 (ICS2) requirement for submitting Safety & Security data via Entry Summary Declarations (ENS).
This requirement is part of ICS2 Release 3 and mandates house-level filers to provide comprehensive cargo information before goods are loaded onto vessels bound for the EU. By April 1, 2025, this filing becomes mandatory for all maritime shipments.
Freight forwarders must act now to ensure compliance with the ICS2 Release 3 update, which requires submitting detailed consignee and consignor information, Harmonised System (HS) codes, and other essential cargo data.
This guide outlines what maritime house-level filers need to know and how to prepare for these new regulations.
The significance of this update for maritime house-level filers
The ICS2 Release 3 update aims to enhance supply chain transparency and improve EU border security. For maritime house-level filers, this means a mandatory shift toward direct filing of ENS data rather than relying on shipping lines.
Failure to comply could lead to cargo delays, penalties, and operational disruptions. Therefore, maritime freight forwarders must take proactive steps to meet these new requirements and safeguard their operations.
How maritime house-level filers can prepare
Maritime and inland waterways house-level filers can follow these practices to prepare for the ICS2 Release 3 update that will be completed by 1 April 2025.
Understand new data requirements
All sea freight shipments into or through Norway, the EU, and Switzerland must comply with the strict data filing requirements introduced by ICS2. Freight forwarders are required to electronically submit thorough Entry Summary Declarations that include all relevant details about the cargo they are shipping. This includes:
- Accurate goods descriptions
- Harmonised Commodity Codes (HS Codes) of goods.
- Detailed seller and buyer information for goods destined for the EU.
- EORI numbers for both consignees and consignors.
Freight forwarders may face severe repercussions if data is submitted that is erroneous or incomplete.
Technical integrations
House-level maritime freight forwarders need to integrate technically with the ICS2 to ensure compliance with the filing requirements. Freight forwarders can do it either by:
Third-party IT services providers (ITSPs): A certified ITSP to deal with the technicalities of data submission.
In-house system: Seasoned freight forwarders can establish their own integration with the Shared Trader Interface (STI).
Strengthen data management and internal processes
Accurate ENS filing requires robust internal communication and data management processes. Freight forwarders should:
- Establish systems to collect and validate consignee/consignor information.
- Create internal workflows for accurate and timely submission.
- Regularly audit data quality to avoid errors that could lead to rejections or penalties.
Negotiating Pre-loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) Agreements
It is imperative for freight forwarders to negotiate formal agreements with shipping lines regarding Pre-loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) when there are unclear regulations governing data submissions.
This ensures that both parties are aligned on data submission responsibilities and will assist in preventing needless delays or penalties.
Wrapping up
The upcoming ICS2 Release 3 update represents a significant shift in the maritime freight forwarding landscape. To guarantee smooth compliance, house-level filers—especially freight forwarders—must adjust to the new data requirements and technological integrations. Proactive measures are essential to prevent fines and disruptions to operations. These include comprehending the data requirements, registering as a house-level filer, and putting in place strong internal procedures.
Automate Your Entry Summary Declaration Processes. Save Time and Reduce Risk with our innovative iENS tool.
You may also like:
Simplify Customs with our Powerful Customs Management Software
Automate declarations, track shipments, & ensure compliance.
About iCustoms
iCustoms is an all-in-one solution helping businesses automate customs processes more efficiently. With AI-powered and machine-learning capabilities, iCustoms is designed to streamline your all customs procedures in a few minutes, cut additional costs and save time.
Simplify Customs with our Powerful Customs Management Software
Automate declarations, track shipments, & ensure compliance.