Before arriving in the European Union, every shipment must be declared (entry summary declaration, "ENS").
Who is affected
As a rule, it is the carrier that lodges the entry summary declaration ("ENS"), not the small business. But the business gives it the information: if that information is wrong or vague, the goods are held up.
What to do
- Give a precise description of the goods. Descriptions that are too vague are refused: the European Commission keeps an official list of banned words ("stop words"), updated on 3 August 2026.
- Give the customs code (HS) of the goods.
- Give the EORI number of the business that declares.
- Check the exact details of the sender and the recipient.
Dates
- Since 1 June 2026, every consignment entering the European Union, whatever the means of transport, must have a valid ENS declaration (end of the temporary derogations).
Official sources (read on 01/11/2026) : Union Customs Code, Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 (Art. 127: entry summary declaration) — EUR-Lex · European Commission — ICS2 (news of 1 June and 1 July 2026) · ICS2 FAQ
General information, not legal advice. Check the official source before you decide.