EU Import Compliance Checks Now in Effect: What You Need to Know

As the European Union (EU) continues to refine its customs procedures, it is important for our industry to stay informed about the latest developments in import regulations: : the European Union’s updated system for pre-arrival safety and security declarations for all goods entering or transiting the EU (ICS2 – Import Control System 2). 

With automated data quality controls now actively checking all advance declarations, ensuring compliance has become essential. Non-compliant submissions are being rejected by the system, which can result in shipment delays, disruptions, and in some cases, carriers refusing to load cargo at origin. Now is a good time to review your submission processes and ensure your documentation meets current standards to avoid these consequences.

Understanding the Current Landscape

The EU has been working to enhance security and streamline customs processes for goods entering or transiting through EU member states, as well as Norway and Switzerland. This involves the Import Control System 2 (ICS2), an advance cargo information system that analysing safety and security risks before goods arrive at the EU borders.

The system requires economic operators/carriers importing goods into the EU to submit an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) before the goods reach the EU border. 

Since September 1, 2025, these requirements have been fully extended to road and rail transport, completing a phased rollout that previously covered air and maritime shipments. 

The system now covers all transportation modes, creating a unified approach across the EU.

What's Happening with Data Quality

Starting from the second quarter of 2025, customs authorities have introduced automated data quality checks on advance declarations. These checks review the information submitted, particularly focusing on goods descriptions and address details. Declarations that don't meet the required standards may be rejected, which can lead to delays or disruptions.

The purpose of these checks is to ensure customs authorities receive clear, accurate information that allows them to properly assess shipments. It is part of an ongoing effort to improve data quality across the supply chain.

Practical Considerations for Household Goods Shipments

The new ICS2 requirements add complexity for all Household Goods and Personal Effects shipments as the EU has recently added the ‘household goods and personal effects’ HS code and commodity description to its watch list. The EU is requesting for goods to be coded according to their nature/type. 

For those handling household goods and personal effects, there are some specific points to be aware of:

1. Detailed Goods Descriptions: Generic terms like "used personal and household effects" are no longer sufficient for customs processing. Instead, shipments should be described using more specific language, such as "personal property belonging to natural person transferring their normal place of residence," followed by several examples of the types of items being shipped (furniture, clothing, kitchenware, books, toys, artwork, and similar items).

   Level of Detail: Each item category should have a clear commercial description. For instance, rather than simply stating "furniture," it is helpful to specify "wooden dining table" or "leather sofa." This level of detail helps customs authorities understand what's in the shipment.

   Words commonly used in the moving industry in the packing list are not authorized any longer under the ISC2-Release 3 and must be replaced by a clearer description as stated above  – see the list of Forbidden Words published by the EU.

2. Harmonized Classification Codes (HS code): Items should be assigned appropriate six-digit Harmonized System codes. For personal effects shipments, we understand that HS code 9905 should be used, though it's advisable to confirm the appropriate code with your customs broker.
3. Party Information: Complete and accurate details for all parties involved in the shipment, including addresses and identification numbers where applicable, help ensure smooth processing.
4. EORI Number: A valid Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number is mandatory for all parties involved in the shipment. Consult the list of EU Customs Authorities here https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs/union-customs-code/national-customs-administrations_en. 

Which moving companies are affected?

Moving companies that: 

• Carry out international removals from non-EU countries (Switzerland, UK, Turkey, USA, etc.)
• Bring goods into the EU by road transport
• Organise maritime transport for container removals from third countries
• Act as importer or consignee for international removal goods

What Should You Do?

1. Work with a customs representative: For the ENS declaration, you can collaborate with an authorised customs agent.
2. Verify your EORI number: A valid EORI number is mandatory for all parties involved.
3. Inform your clients: They must provide the necessary data for the ENS declaration

Looking Ahead

You should be aware that the final transition phase to ICS2 may differ from one EU country to the other. While most EU countries still accept the HS code 99058, some countries, such as the Netherlands, are no longer accepting this HS-code since January 1^st, 2026. All goods must instead be declared using a different HS-code.Each EU country can decide on the HS code that should apply, meaning that the HS code may differ from one EU country to the other. 

For companies that do not handle moves outside the EU, no changes are required, as the free movement of goods and people within the EU remains unchanged (unless otherwise notified). However, exports and imports to and from Norway, Switzerland and the UK will be subject to the Entry Summary Declaration, as will all shipments to and from countries outside the EU.

For any international shipments into the EU, it is consequently recommended to check with your destination agent and or local customs broker before shipping on the requirements and correct instructions for the ICS2 filing. 

Where to Find Help

Your customs broker is your first point of contact for specific questions about your shipments and can provide tailored advice for your particular circumstances.

The European Commission and related bodies have also developed a range of resources to help operators understand and meet these requirements:

General Information

• Guidance for the submission of an ENS for road and rail during the ICS2 and NCTS P6 derogation period (2025-08-29)
• European Commission ICS2 Guidance – Comprehensive overview of the system and requirements
• European Commission News – Information on implementation status and any temporary arrangements
• National Customs Office in the EU – Information on EORI registration process
• CIRCABC updates on ISC2 – latest information on EORI developments
• EU ICS2 – how ICS2 works (comprehensive guidance page- news, webinars, how to prepare, how ICS2 works (video…), success stories,  CIRCABC - European Commission’s document-sharing platform, Factsheets, E-learning courses, etc/

Industry Resources

• FIATA-GSF Guidance Note – Industry perspective on enhancing data quality for EU requirements

Mode-Specific Guidance

• Rail Factsheet – Specific information for rail transport operators
• Road Factsheet – Guidance for road transport

Technical Guidance

• Multiple Filing Factsheet – Guidance on handling complex filing scenarios
• Acceptable Goods Descriptions Guide – Detailed examples of acceptable vs. unacceptable descriptions
• List of forbidden words – EU list published by CIRCABC 

Looking Ahead

These requirements are now standard practice for EU-bound shipments. For any international shipments into the EU, it is recommended to check with your destination agent and or local customs broker before shipping on the requirements and correct instructions for the ICS2 filing.