The Import Control System 2 (ICS2), one of the most important steps taken by the European Union to enhance trade security, will become fully operational as of September 1, 2025. This comprehensive change closely affects all companies operating in the logistics sector. As Oregon technology company, we are supporting businesses during this transition process by facilitating all declaration processes with the Oregon NCTS platform.
What is the Import Control System 2 (ICS2)?
The Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is a next-generation IT system that pre-collects data on all goods and items entering EU borders. This system aims to protect Europe’s single market and its citizens by conducting comprehensive security analyses before the arrival of goods.
Key objectives of ICS2:
- Protection of EU borders through advanced security measures
- Supporting global trade flows with data-driven security controls
- Facilitating free trade through a risk-based approach
- Adapting customs security procedures to modern business models
Economic Operators (EO) are required to report security data to the system through Entry Summary Declarations (ENS). This process requires much more comprehensive and detailed data compared to traditional customs procedures.
Who is Affected by ICS2?
The scope of the ICS2 system is quite extensive and directly affects actors in various sectors:
Transportation Sector:
- Air cargo transport companies
- Maritime and port operators
- Railway transport companies
- Road logistics firms
Postal and Cargo Services:
- Postal operators operating within and outside EU borders
- Express cargo companies
Trade and Logistics:
- Freight transport and logistics companies
- Customs consultants and representatives
- Economic operators engaged in import/export
How Does ICS2 Work?
Declaration Process
The following steps are critically important for successful process management in the ICS2 system:
1. Pre-information Phase In air transport, a minimum information set must be entered into the system before loading. This is called the “pre-loading phase” and provides the first control of cargo security.
2. Complete ENS Preparation A complete Entry Summary Declaration containing all required data elements according to the mode of transport and business model must be prepared. In this process, single or multiple ENS applications can be used.
3. Risk Analysis Process Customs authorities conduct pre-loading or pre-arrival safety and security risk analysis based on the information provided in the ENS. As a result of this analysis:
- Additional information may be requested
- High-risk cargo screening may be conducted
- Non-loading of cargo may be requested
4. Arrival and Presentation Arrival notification must be made for ships or aircraft at sea, and goods must be presented to customs upon arrival.
Consequences of Incomplete Declarations
EU customs authorities may reject incomplete ENS declarations, which may result in:
- Delays in the arrival of shipments
- Disruptions in ENS procedures
- Application of administrative sanctions
ICS2 Management with Oregon NCTS
As Oregon technology company, we help you overcome the complexity of the ICS2 transition process with simple and effective solutions. The Oregon NCTS platform provides a comprehensive interface for logistics companies, facilitating the preparation of all declaration types.
Platform Advantages
Comprehensive Declaration Support:
- Transit Declarations
- TR Declarations
- ENS Operations
- GVMS Declarations
- ELO Notifications
Flexible Usage Options:
- Ability to prepare declarations independently
- Collaboration option with our experienced team
- Declaration completion within minutes
Technology Advantage:
- User-friendly interface design
- Automatic data validation systems
- Real-time status tracking
- 24/7 system access
- Automatic ENS generation from Transit Declaration
Conclusion
While the ICS2 system raises security standards in European trade, it can also provide operational efficiency when managed with the right tools. With the Oregon NCTS platform, you can turn this transformation into an opportunity and maintain your competitive advantage.
Contact the Oregon technology team for detailed information and demo requests. We are with you in the ICS2 transition process.
