How to Make an ENS Declaration for Road Freight Between Dover and Calais Under ICS2?

As of 1 September 2025, the European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) enters its third and final phase, bringing significant changes to customs procedures for road freight between the UK and EU, particularly across the busy Dover–Calais corridor. One of the most critical updates is the mandatory submission of an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) for all goods entering the EU via road transport.

This article explains how to make an ENS declaration, who is responsible, and what UK hauliers and importers need to do to stay compliant.

What Is an ENS Declaration?

An Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) is a pre-arrival security filing that provides EU border force authorities with detailed information about goods entering the Union. It enables risk assessment and security checks before the goods reach the border 

. Under ICS2 Phase 3, ENS declarations are now mandatory for road, rail, maritime, and inland waterway transport, including Ro-Ro freight between Dover and Calais 
. Who Must Submit the ENS? The carrier (haulier) is legally responsible for submitting the ENS declaration. Even if the transport is subcontracted, the primary carrier must ensure compliance.
. Many businesses choose to work with customs clearance agents to manage the process efficiently 
 

When and Where to Submit ENS

For road freight entering the EU:

  • ENS must be submitted at least 2 hours before arrival at the EU border (e.g., Calais).
  • The declaration must be made via the ICS2 system, which requires registration and IT system integration 

What Information Is Required?

To make an ENS declaration, the following data must be included:

  • EU EORI number of the carrier
  • Detailed goods description (not generic terms)
  • HS codes (minimum 6-digit)
  • Consignor and consignee details
  • Route and transit information
  • Trailer registration
  • Estimated arrival and departure times 

How to Make an ENS Declaration: Step-by-Step

  1. Register for an EU EORI Number
    This is essential for any business submitting ENS declarations.

  2. Connect to the ICS2 System
    You must either:

    • Use your own IT system integrated with ICS2, or
    • Work with an IT Service Provider or customs agent.

  3. Prepare Accurate Shipment Data
    Ensure all required fields are complete and correct. Inaccurate data can lead to rejected filings, delays, or fines

  4. Submit ENS via ICS2 Portal
    Submit the declaration at least 2 hours before border arrival. Use the Shared Trader Portal (STP) or an approved third-party platform.

  5. Monitor for Errors and Corrections
    ICS2 will return error messages if data is insufficient. Corrections must be made promptly to avoid border issues 

Special Note: ELO Requirement for France

From 01 January 2026, the Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire (ELO) will become mandatory in France —it’s a digital logistics envelope that consolidates ENS, MRNs, and other customs documents into a single barcode 

Without a valid ELO, boarding at Calais may be refused, even if the ENS is correctly submitted.

Why Compliance Matters

Failure to submit an ENS declaration correctly and on time can result in:

  • Border delays
  • Manual inspections
  • Fines or penalties
  • Refusal to board ferries or Eurotunnel

Final Thoughts

The ICS2 Phase 3 rollout marks a major shift in how UK-EU road freight is managed. For hauliers operating between Dover and Calais, understanding how to make an ENS declaration is now essential to maintaining smooth operations and avoiding costly disruptions.

Start preparing now by registering for an EORI, integrating with ICS2, and training staff on ENS and ELO procedures. For many, partnering with a customs clearance expert is the most efficient way to stay compliant.