Using ICS2 for goods movements by road/rail from Great Britain to Northern Ireland – key update
7 Aug 2025
As you may be aware, the system for submitting safety and security declarations, known as Entry Summary Declarations (ENS), for the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is changing. Import Control System Northern Ireland (ICSNI) is being replaced by Import Control System 2 (ICS2) and businesses were asked to move to ICS2 by 1 September 2025.
If you are already using ICS2 you should continue to do so, or if you expect to be ready to migrate to ICS2 by 1 September 2025, you should continue preparations and migrate as planned.
However, we are aware of readiness issues with the wider implementation across ICS2 territories, and for those moving goods into Northern Ireland, with preparing to migrate to ICS2 by 1 September, and are exploring options to support those who will not be ready by allowing extra time to prepare. If you need more time to prepare, you should continue to work with your supply chain to ensure you are ready as soon as possible. If you are not ready to use ICS2 by 1 September, you should continue to submit ENS declarations via ICSNI until the latest date on which you must start using ICS2. We will confirm the latest date as soon as possible, but it will be no later than the end of December 2025.
ENS declarations are not required for parcels moving to and from consumers (ie. private individuals) in Northern Ireland.
When physically moving goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland
If you currently use the Trader Support Service (TSS) you can continue to submit ENS declarations using ICSNI or the new ICS2 dataset if you are ready to do so. You do not need to register to use ICS2, as TSS will do this for you.
If you do not use TSS to submit ENS declarations, you will have to register to use the EU Shared Trader Interface (also known as the EU Customs Trader Portal) to submit declarations into ICS2. Visit GOV.UK for more information on how register: GOV.UK
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/re...
You do not need to do anything if you are already using ICS2, or you will be ready to do so by 1 September, when moving goods by road (including roll-on roll-off movements) from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
When sending or receiving goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. If you are a business that sends or receives goods that move from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, it is important that you:
• speak with those who are physically moving your goods on your behalf, such as your haulier, freight forwarder or express operator
• ensure your supply chain has the correct information, at the correct time, to keep your goods moving as smoothly and efficiently as possible
Visit GOV.UK for more information on:
• using ICS2 Make an entry summary declaration using the Import Control System 2 – GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ma...
• using TSS Sign up for the Trader Support Service - GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tr...