The European Commission has released a revised Import Control System 2 (ICS2) Stop‑Words list, identifying terms that signal insufficient data quality in Entry Summary Declarations (ENS). The new list becomes mandatory on 3 August 2026, and economic operators must use it when preparing ENS to avoid automatic rejections. Freight forwarders are advised to review the update and align their IT systems before the enforcement date.
The European Commission has published an updated version of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) Stop‑Words list in the CIRCABC library. Stop‑Words are specific terms that, when present in an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), indicate that the data supplied does not meet the required quality standards and may trigger an automatic rejection of the filing. The revised list will take effect on 3 August 2026 and must be used by all economic operators when preparing ENS submissions.
Freight forwarders are specifically urged to download the new list, compare it with their current data‑validation rules and adjust their internal processes and IT systems accordingly before the enforcement date. By aligning with the updated Stop‑Words list, operators can reduce the risk of ENS rejections, improve data quality and ensure smoother customs clearance throughout the EU. The update reflects the Commission’s ongoing effort to enhance the reliability of trade data entering the Union and to support the EU’s broader security and trade‑facilitation objectives. Operators who fail to incorporate the new list after the 3 August deadline may experience delayed processing or penalties under existing customs legislation.