Import Control System 2 (ICS2)

As part of the ongoing implementation of Import Control System 2 (ICS2), the Trader Support Service (TSS) will introduce stricter data requirements for all shipments to Northern Ireland, effective 1st September 2025.

What is ICS2?

The Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is the new safety and security declaration system for movements into Northern Ireland and the European Union.

The ICS2 supports:

• lodging of pre-arrival entry summary declarations, also known as safety and security declarations
• notification of arrival of goods
• presentation of goods
• assessment of safety and security risk

This system is replacing the current Import Control System Northern Ireland (ICS NI).

What’s Changing?

From 1^st September 2025, the following information will become mandatory for each good on the job submission to TSS:

• Minimum 6-digit commodity codes (minimum 8 for controlled goods)
• Detailed goods description (i.e. ‘jewellery’ would fail. Must be more specific like ‘Mens’ 24ct gold signet ring- size W’ )
• Country of Origin ( manufacture / harvesting )
• Number of cases / units
• Gross weight / net weight
• Value £ each good
• Unique Invoice Number for traceability – repeating invoice numbers under the same EORI will be rejected on the new Customs platform
• Trader Details (Correctly registered EORI numbers – Importer’s XI only (incoterm dependent):
  • Shipper
  • Consignee
  • Buyer
  • Seller

 

For GB – NI bookings we will require a Commercial Invoice with the above information included.

Missing or incomplete data may result in delays.

 

EORI Checklist for Customers

• Importers need an XI EORI – GB EORIs will not work on ICS2. You need to apply for one if you don’t have one already.

Applies to GB Exporters sending goods DDP, under those incoterms you are the ‘Importer’

 

• You need to tick the box to make your details public on the XI EORI, when you get one, or if you already have an XI and your details are currently private

 

• If you already have an XI EORI, it needs to be the main EORI on the account. If currently the GB is the main EORI on the account, it needs swapped to the XI

 

• You need to register to UKIMS and tick the box to allow Allens to use your UKIMS authorisation as your customs intermediary creating your NI declarations for goods moving ‘Not at Risk’, NI end user only.

 

 

Support

Support & Resources Guidance materials and webinars are available on the NICTA website. – https://bit.ly/44Yxjdc

Support on commodity codes can be found on the following link: UK Integrated Online Tariff: Look up commodity codes, duty and VAT rates – GOV.UK

For examples of the two-word non-specific generic phrases which can no longer be used for product descriptions.
Please refer to “stop word” latest updated list at https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs/customs-security/import-control-system-2_en