If your business sends goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland (NI) by parcels or freight via roll-on/roll-off ferry, you need to be aware of new arrangements for entry summary declarations (ENS) under the Import Control System 2 (ICS2).
Background
ICS2 is the new safety and security system that manages movements into Northern Ireland and the European Union. It supports:
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Lodging of pre-arrival entry summary declarations
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Notification of arrival of goods
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Presentation of goods
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Assessment of safety and security risks
ICS2 is replacing the current Import Control System Northern Ireland (ICS NI).
From now on, you will need to use ICS2 to submit entry summary declarations for goods moved by air, maritime, road or rail from:
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Great Britain to Northern Ireland
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Countries outside the EU into Northern Ireland
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Great Britain to the EU
Note: Entry summary declarations will only be required for B2B parcel movements from Great Britain into Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework. They are not required for parcels sent to consumers.
You must continue to provide all current data, along with some additional information specifically required under ICS2. These declarations must be complete, accurate, and submitted on time.
Information You Must Provide to Your Haulier or Logistics Provider
If a haulier or logistics company is moving goods on your behalf, they will need certain information from you to complete the ENS and ensure smooth transit.
To avoid delays, ensure you are ready to supply the following information before the goods move:
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Description of the goods
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Commodity code (6-digit HS code)
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Amount of goods (mass)
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Buyer and seller information
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Place of delivery
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Any required supporting documents (e.g., licences, certificates)
Next Steps for Your Business
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Speak to your hauliers or logistics providers now.
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Ensure they have the correct information at the right time.
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Prepare to supply the additional ICS2 data for affected movements.
Further Resources
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🔎 NI Online Tariff Tool (OTT) – For identifying commodity codes:
https://www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/xi/find_commodity -
📘 GOV.UK ICS2 Guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/make-an-entry-summary-declaration-using-the-import-control-system-2 -
🎥 TSS ICS2 Webinar Recording:
https://www.nicustomstradeacademy.co.uk/video/introducing-changes-to-the-entry-summary-declaration-due-to-ics2/