Story Highlight
– Colin Robb warns of confusion in cross-border freight.
– Compliance deadlines vary among EU countries until 2025.
– Hauliers must update IT systems and training.
– ICS2 enhances EU border security and supply chain visibility.
– Derry Bros offers guidance and new customs solutions.
Full Story
Colin Robb, head of operations and sales at Derry Bros, has expressed his concerns regarding recent delays in road freight implementation, which have contributed to a disjointed landscape for cross-border transport. He noted that these postponements have left many operators struggling to adapt to new regulations. “There is certainly some nervousness about how best to tackle the new requirements, and latest delays have only added to the uncertainty,” Robb stated.
He highlighted a current scenario where compliance is essential for certain EU nations, while others will not require it until the end of 2025. “However, a wait and see approach is not an option, so hauliers need to adapt their IT systems, update shipping processes, and train teams to handle the changes,” he emphasized.
The ICS2, an EU customs initiative aimed at bolstering border security for goods entering the EU, Switzerland, and Norway, is undergoing a phased implementation that began in 2021. The initiative aims to enhance data submission ahead of time, improve risk assessment procedures, and promote shared responsibility among stakeholders. Its objectives include increasing supply chain visibility, expediting risk evaluations and clearances, as well as enabling early interventions against unsafe goods.
Robb underscored the importance of compliance with ICS2 requirements for hauliers, warning that non-adherence could lead to more severe penalties and delays at EU borders. “It will be crucial for hauliers to get to grips with the ICS2 requirements, because failure to comply is expected to lead to stricter fines and penalties, as well as refused entry of goods and delays at EU borders,” he advised.
Derry Bros is actively supporting operators as they navigate these changes to customs processes and software adaptations to avert disruptions in the supply chain. The company has recently launched a self-service customs initiative named SelfClear, which facilitates the generation of Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) for ICS2 compliance. Additionally, they have introduced an AI-driven assistant designed to streamline error messaging and provide users with solutions to address compliance challenges.
With over six decades of experience in the freight and logistics sector, Derry Bros offers a diverse array of managed booking, customs, and consultancy services to assist businesses in overcoming the complexities associated with cross-border trade. The company’s enduring success and reputation are bolstered by its award-winning technology solutions, including the comprehensive digital customs tool, Digicom.
This underlines a real risk for operators who treat compliance as optional. ICS2 and other changing customs rules are not just paperwork they affect scheduling, costs and legal exposure. Firms should map their current processes against the new requirements, prioritise timely IT updates and targeted training for drivers and logistics staff, and consider pragmatic support options such as self service customs or specialist providers while they build internal capability. Proactive engagement now will reduce the likelihood of costly delays and penalties later.
This highlights a real operational risk. Inconsistent implementation timelines and low readiness among hauliers increase the chance of delays, fines and disrupted routes. Operators should prioritise updating systems and training staff now, and consider support options such as shared or outsourced customs services if inhouse capability is limited. Clear communication with customers and forward planning of documentation and data flows will reduce exposure while transition settles.
Timely warning. Operators need clear practical guidance and support to update systems and train staff now rather than react later. Consistent enforcement dates across borders would help, but meanwhile simple interoperable IT solutions, focused training and clearer lines of responsibility between carriers and shippers will reduce risk of fines and delays. Industry collaboration and accessible self service options like the one Derry Bros describe will be important while regulators and operators work toward harmonised implementation.
This is a timely warning. The phased rollout of new customs requirements and inconsistent national deadlines create real operational risk for hauliers. Many operators are still catching up on IT upgrades and staff training, so prioritising clear compliance plans is essential to avoid fines and border delays. ICS2 will improve security and visibility but only if businesses invest now in systems, processes and skills. Industry initiatives that offer practical tools and scalable support can help bridge the gap, but regulators and freight associations also need to provide straightforward guidance and transition support so smaller operators are not left behind.