The European Commission has released guidance on the deployment timeline for ICS2 Release 3 Step 3 and the New Computerised Transit System - Phase 6 (NCTS-P6), introducing new customs rules for road and rail transport entering the European Union (EU).
From 1 April 2025, all goods entering the EU by road and rail must be covered by an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) under the Union Customs Code (UCC).
The NCTS-P6 will be deployed between March and September 2025, replacing previous security data rules. It applies to all EU Member States, Norway, and Switzerland and Common Transit Convention (CTC) contracting parties. The deployment window of NCTS-P6 starts on 1 March 2025 and ends on 1 September 2025.
The Import Control System 2 (ICS2) Release 3 will require ENS submissions for road and rail transport starting 1 April 2025. Economic Operators (EOs) unable to comply with ICS2 by 1 April can request a deployment window. Where a ICS2 deployment window is granted to an EO, they are allowed to use the NCTS-Phase 5 to lodge safety and security data with transit declaration until 1 September 2025.
FIATA advises that EOs connect to the ICS2 system. EOs can either connect their system to ICS2 by either using a third-party IT service provider, or by using the ICS2 web interface. In any case, EOs must obtain an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number immediately to be able to start their connection activities.
