Since 1st Jan 2021 ENS / ICS (safety & security) declarations have been a mandatory requirement for hauliers to provide when travelling from UK to EU. Whilst French authorities have been flexible to date, this will be more rigorously enforced going forward.
Motis Freeflow provides a simple, user friendly online system to complete this. It includes the ability to repeat previous declarations, “mirror” previous entries and utilise information to complete other customs formalities - as much of the data is common but currently needs repeating. 1 “smart” form for 3 + customs functions!
Learn more by watching our new video on how the process works and discover all the smart functionality we have built in to help you complete your declarations as quickly and effortlessly as possible.
ICS2 is now fully operational!
The European Union's Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is now operational, and our ENS, S&S and ELO systems are fully aligned to support it. ICS2 is designed to enhance the safety and security of goods entering the EU.
As part of these requirements, an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) must be submitted as part of an Entry Level Operation (ELO) filing. As the carrier of the goods, you are responsible for ensuring compliance. Failure to comply may result in delays, fines, or refusal of entry at EU borders.
French Customs announced a 5-month transitional period, allowing carriers time to prepare. ICS2 compliance will become mandatory on 1st September 2025.
Motis Freeflow is already fully compliant with ICS2 requirements and ready to support you immediately. Our system is live, tested, and operational. Offering a seamless, AI-enhanced solution to help you stay compliant and avoid disruptions.
What is changing?
1. ENS to be mandatory for French ELO
Mandatory from 1st September 2025
- The entry Summary Declaration (ENS) has been a requirement since Brexit, but it is now becoming a mandatory component of the new French Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire (ELO)
- What is ELO?
- ?The ELO (Obligatory Logistics Envelope) is a digital system introduced by French Customs to streamline freight movement.
- It consolidates all customs declarations into one single document, represented by a unique barcode, which must be presented at the border.
- From 1st September 2025, an ENS must be included in every ELO submission.
- No valid ENS = No valid ELO = No boarding the ferry
Carrier responsibility: The haulier must ensure that an ENS is submitted to the ICS2 system and included in the ELO before the goods reach the French border.
2. From 01/09/2025 GMR & ELO Required
Mandatory from 1st September 2025
- A Goods Movement Reference (GMR) and French Envelope Logistique Obligatoire (ELO) will now be required for all UK to EU movements.
Carrier responsibility: The haulier must ensure a GMR & ELO are generated before travel to the EU.
3. Changes to Declarations
The following additional fields are now mandatory for ENS declarations:
- Trailer Routing - What countries will the trailer transit through?
- Trailer number
- Estimated date / time of arrival
- Estimated date / time of departure
Existing users to the Motis system will notice very little change in the form and user functionality, except for these additions.
