- ICS2 for road and rail started on 1 April 2025; the transition ended on 1 September 2025.
- The carrier files the entry summary declaration (ENS) before the truck reaches the first EU customs office.
- Your invoice should carry the EU buyer's EORI number and a 6 digit HS code that matches the first 6 digits of your GTİP.
What changed
ICS2 is the EU's advance cargo information system. For road and rail it started on 1 April 2025 and the transition period ended on 1 September 2025. It covers the EU, Northern Ireland, Norway and Switzerland. Every truck entering this area needs an entry summary declaration, the ENS, before it arrives.
Who files and when
The carrier files the ENS. For road freight it must be lodged at least one hour before the truck reaches the first customs office in the EU. The exporter does not file it, but the carrier builds it from the exporter's documents.
The data your documents must carry
| ENS field | Where it comes from |
|---|---|
| EU consignee EORI number | Invoice and CMR |
| 6 digit HS code per item | First 6 digits of the GTİP on the invoice |
| Full shipper and consignee details | Invoice, CMR boxes 1 and 2 |
| Number of packages and gross weight | Packing list and CMR |
| Acceptable goods description | Invoice line descriptions |
Descriptions that get rejected
Generic words such as "parts", "machine", "spare parts" or "general cargo" are not accepted as goods descriptions. Describe what the item is and what it is for, for example "steel conveyor rollers for packaging lines" rather than "parts".
NCTS Phase 6 in Türkiye
NCTS Phase 6 went live in Türkiye on 1 June 2026. For T1 and T2 declarations departing Türkiye the safety and security indicator is now officially "2"; the data set that was entered with "3" in Phase 5 is entered with the same content.
Checklist for exporters
- EU buyer's EORI number on the invoice.
- GTİP on the invoice, with its first 6 digits matching the HS code the carrier will use.
- A specific description for every line.
- Packages and gross weight identical on invoice, packing list and CMR.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with your customs broker and the current legislation before you act.