Since Brexit, the United Kingdom has been officially considered as a third country by the European Union. This shift has significantly altered the rules governing cross-border trade, particularly in terms of safety and security. From now on, any goods entering the EU from the UK must be accompanied by an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). This customs requirement, reinforced in 2025 with the full implementation of the ICS2 system, is part of a stronger regulatory framework aimed at better anticipating risks associated with goods movements.
✨ What is the ENS declaration ?
The ENS declaration (Entry Summary Declaration) is a European customs requirement now mandatory for all goods entering the EU territory, including those coming from the United Kingdom. Its purpose is to strengthen safety and security checks prior to the arrival of the goods.
The ENS declaration (Entry Summary Declaration) is a European customs requirement now mandatory for all goods entering the EU territory, including those coming from the United Kingdom. Its purpose is to strengthen safety and security checks prior to the arrival of the goods and must be submitted prior to their reaching the first point of entry into the Union. Its implementation requires coordination between several parties: means of transport, maritime carriers, service providers, operators, and, temporary storage facilities.
Since april 2025, ENS declarations must be submitted via the new EU-wide ICS2 (Import Control System), already implemented in the air and maritime sectors. This requirement now also applies to road and rail transport, with possible consequences in cases of non-compliance, such as a Do Not Load (DNL) notice or customs clearance blockage.
🔍 Who is concerned by the ENS ?
The declaration is the responsibility of the carrier, but it can be delegated to a customs representative or an importer. It is mandatory even for empty trucks crossings the border from the United Kingdom.
📦 ENS integrated into the Mandatory Logistics Envelope (ELO)
To simplify customs clearance, the ENS declaration is now integrated into the ELO, the new Mandatory Logistics Envelope. This envelope groups all customs formalities under ONE single barcode. It is mandatory for both import and exports.
► Less than 5% of the trucks currently use a logistics envelope, which makes tracking more difficult and slows down controls. Its goal is to ensure widespread use before 1st September 2025, the end of the transition period.
⚠️ The ELO becomes mandatory in both directions (IM/EX), with full implementation by 1st September 2025. No allowance will be granted by French customs beyond this date.
🛠 How does the ENS work? It couldn't be easier:
- You provide all required information (see below).
- Our customs declaration specialists handle the processing, compliance, and updates by entering the necessary data into ICS2.
- We send the envelope to the relevant customs authorities, who either approve or reject it (via a DNL - Do Not Load - message).
What information to include in the ENS ?
A tailor-made support with our customs experts! 🚀
At ASA, our experts in "cross-border"customs formalities support you every step of the way. From data checks to the submission through ICS2, we ensure a fast, reliable, and compliant handling.
The ENS procedure requires thorough knowledge of customs software and regulations, so do not wait and get in touch via our contact form or by email at sales@asalink.eu.
📜 ENS & ICS2 FAQ
This is the new European customs information system replacing ICS1. It allows to centralize and to control safety/security data before the arrival of the goods on the EU territory.
For road and rail transport : from April 2025, with a tolerance phase until 1st Septembre 2025.
Yes. All vehicles are concerned by the ENS declaration even empty ones.
No. Only for flows entering the European Union (UK -> France).
A DNL message is sent. You can amend data and submit the declaration, even if the declaration itself is not removable.
✉️ Contact us
Any doubt about your procedure? Tutorial needed? We assist you for a stress-free customs clearance. 👋🏽
