European roadmap to recovery

ICS2 and ELO: Preparing for the Next Phase of EU Border Compliance

Mar 28, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As of 1st April, the European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) entered its final implementation phase; a critical milestone for businesses moving goods into the EU. 

Designed to enhance the safety and security of EU-bound shipments, ICS2 is now live across all transport modes, including road and rail, in addition to air, maritime, and inland waterways.

Import Control System 2

ICS2 introduces a standardised, data-driven pre-arrival notification for goods entering the EU. The system mandates the submission of accurate and complete Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) before arrival at the EU’s external border. These declarations allow customs authorities to perform detailed risk assessments and target high-risk consignments before they enter the supply chain.

This not only improves customs enforcement but supports a more secure and streamlined trade environment.

This latest phase introduces two key updates:

  1. 1. Mandatory House Bill Filings for Surface Containerised Movements
    This update predominantly affects sea freight and applies to:

    • Goods moving to the EU
    • In-transit shipments through the EU
    • Freight Remaining on Board (FROB)
  1. 2. Live ICS2 Filing for Road and Rail Movements
    Both accompanied and unaccompanied trailers now fall under ICS2’s scope. Businesses must submit ENS data 1 to 2 hours before EU arrival, depending on the transport type. Timing is critical — incomplete or late submissions could lead to delays, detentions, or even denied entry.

The Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire

As introduced during our most recent webinar, ELO is not to be confused with the 70s rock band, it represents a major evolution in French customs procedures.

ELO is an extension of France’s import/export pairing process. Under the new system, every crossing from GB into France will require a declaration barcode, which also supports onward movement into the remaining 27 EU countries. The goal is to digitise and streamline freight verification, with a single ELO envelope covering the full logistics trail.

Metro’s Briefing Webinar

On Friday, 28th March, Metro hosted its second industry webinar, focusing on the latest regulatory developments. The webinar audience were briefed by our experts on the latest regulatory developments, including ICS2 declarations, the introduction of ELO, updates and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). 

They were also updated on changes to the UK Customs Declaration Service (CDS) for exports, evolving trade agreements such as the CPTPP, and implications of the Windsor Framework for Northern Ireland.

The session aimed to ensure attendees are not just compliant but well-positioned to optimise their supply chain strategies in this evolving regulatory landscape.

Stay connected with Metro for expert-led insights, upcoming webinars, and on-the-ground support to navigate new regulatory frameworks confidently. EMAIL Andy Fitchett to register your interest.

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Metro & Beyondly are driving sustainable supply chains

Mar 5, 2025 | , , , ,

Sustainability in logistics isn’t just a challenge—it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to rethink the way goods move, to reduce emissions, and to turn compliance into a competitive advantage.

At Metro, we’ve embraced this challenge head-on, becoming carbon neutral for five years, monitoring emissions across 250,000 shipments, and pioneering sustainable solutions that help our customers meet their environmental goals.

But sustainability doesn’t stop at logistics. It stretches across the entire supply chain ecosystem—from packaging regulations to waste reduction, from carbon foot-printing to compliance with global sustainability laws. That’s where Beyondly comes in.

Metro and Beyondly, both members of the GB Global Group, share a common goal: helping businesses navigate the complexities of sustainability while staying ahead of industry regulations. Together, we offer a holistic approach to sustainability, ensuring that every aspect of a company’s supply chain—from transport emissions to packaging compliance—is not just managed, but optimised.

Measuring and reducing carbon emissions
Reducing carbon emissions isn’t just about switching transport modes—it’s about understanding where the biggest environmental impacts lie.

Metro’s MVT ECO platform gives businesses the power to forecast, measure, avoid, or offset global supply chain emissions, with detailed, accredited emissions tracking across all transport modes.

Beyondly takes this further, ensuring businesses aren’t just reducing transport emissions but aligning their entire supply chain with sustainability regulations—from Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance to waste reduction strategies.

It’s one thing to measure carbon emissions; it’s another to actively reduce them.

Metro was the first UK freight forwarder to commit to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and is continuously working on reducing carbon output across road, sea, and air freight.

Beyondly empowers businesses to take action beyond logistics, providing carbon footprint assessments, ESG strategy development, and Net Zero roadmaps—ensuring that sustainability is built into every decision, not just an afterthought.

From compliance to competitive advantage
Environmental regulations are evolving faster than ever, and businesses that fail to keep up risk falling behind their competitors.

Metro simplifies compliance, ensuring that every shipment is tracked, measured, and meets environmental standards, while continuing to invest in emission reduction technologies, digital visibility tools, and collaborative industry initiatives.

Beyondly ensures businesses stay compliant across the board and helps them develop long-term strategies, guiding them through B Corp certification, sustainability reporting, and corporate ESG leadership.

Sustainability is no longer a tick-box exercise—it’s a business imperative. Companies that embrace it don’t just reduce risk; they unlock new opportunities, enhance brand reputation, and future-proof their operations.

By partnering with Metro and Beyondly, businesses can integrate sustainability across their entire supply chain, from logistics and transport to packaging, compliance, and beyond.

Learn more about Metro’s sustainable logistics solutions.

Explore how Beyondly can help your business.

Together, let’s move beyond compliance—toward a truly sustainable future.

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Exciting updates in Metro technology: What’s coming in 2025

Jan 23, 2025 | , ,

At Metro, we’re continuously working to improve the tools and technology that support your supply chain operations.

Over the past year, we made significant updates to our platforms, including MVT, our proprietary supply chain management platform, and CuDoS, our automated customs brokerage tool powered by machine learning and AI.

Looking ahead to 2025, we’re introducing new applications and enhancing existing ones to help you better manage your processes, gain deeper insights, and streamline operations.

New Applications Launching in 2025
We’re excited to announce the development of several new applications designed to make your supply chain operations more efficient and transparent:

– Invoicing Application
– Shipment Booking Application
– Digital Customer Tariff Application
– Reporting & Analytics Application
– Online Quoting Application

Invoicing Application
Managing invoices and accounts receivable shouldn’t be a burden. That’s why we’re introducing an Invoicing Application to simplify these processes for both Metro and our customers.

Key Features:
– On-demand access to digital invoices and credit notes
– Real-time tracking of invoice status (paid, outstanding, or overdue)
– Dashboards offering spend insights by period and currency

Next Steps:
We’ll begin BETA testing in February, with a full rollout planned by the end of Q1. This application is designed to make invoicing easier and give you greater visibility into your financial interactions with us.

Enhancements to Existing Tools
In addition to launching new applications, we’re committed to improving the tools you already use, such as Track and Trace, CuDoS, and DCM. We’ve adopted a more agile approach to product updates, ensuring frequent releases that bring:

– New functionality based on customer feedback
– Improved user interfaces for a more intuitive experience
– Compatibility and accessibility enhancements

You’ll notice these updates rolling out throughout the year, making the tools you rely on even more effective and user-friendly.

Redesigned Purchase Order Management
One of the biggest changes in 2025 is the launch of our redesigned Purchase Order Management Application. This upgrade is tailored to the unique needs of each customer, offering features that simplify and enhance your supply chain processes.

We’re coordinating the migration of over 700 suppliers and thousands of users across 25+ countries to the new platform. To ensure a smooth transition, we’ll provide training and support every step of the way.

Supporting Your Supply Chain Success
These updates reflect our commitment to building technology solutions that provide you with the visibility and control you need to manage your supply chain efficiently. Whether it’s through new applications, regular enhancements to existing tools, or tailored solutions, we’re here to support your business goals.

Want to learn more about MVT, CuDoS, or how our technology can help your operations? Have suggestions for how we can better meet your needs?

Email Ian Powell to start a conversation.

Visit Metro’s Website for more details and updates as we continue to enhance our platform to serve you better.

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ICS2 Phase 2: What you need to know and how we can help

Jan 8, 2025 | , , , , , , ,

On 4th December 2024, Phase 2 of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) was deployed, requiring maritime and inland waterways house-level filers, including Metro, to directly submit detailed safety and security data to EU customs authorities.

ICS2 is the EU’s advanced customs system designed to enhance supply chain security and facilitate smooth trade across its external borders. By collecting and analysing cargo data in advance, ICS2 allows customs authorities to identify risks early, ensuring efficient processing of low-risk goods while prioritising inspections for high-risk consignments.

Key benefits of ICS2

ICS2 streamlines customs procedures while securing the supply chain by:
Proactively identifying high-risk consignments for early intervention.
Reducing delays and costs through faster and smoother cross-border clearance.
Simplifying data exchange between Economic Operators (EOs) and customs authorities.

Enhanced data requirements
To comply with ICS2, all exporters and logistics providers must provide comprehensive data via the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), including:

6-digit Harmonised System Code.
Commercial descriptions of goods.
EU-registered EORI numbers.

Complete details of the seller, buyer, and consignee.Prompt submission of this data enables accurate risk assessments, helping to avoid shipment delays.

ENS filing timelines

For maritime transport, ENS submissions must adhere to strict timelines:
1. Two hours before arrival at the first EU port of entry for goods from nearby regions (e.g., Greenland, Morocco, or the Mediterranean) with journeys under 24 hours.
2. Four hours before arrival for bulk cargo in other cases.
3. 24 hours before loading for containerised cargo on longer journeys.

Please note, some carriers may require submissions earlier, such as 24 hours before the estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the port of departure.

Implementation timeline
ICS2 is being deployed in three stages:

1.3rd June 2024: Maritime and inland waterways carriers.
2.4th December 2024: Maritime and inland waterways house-level filers.
3.1st April 2025: Road and rail carriers.

Since 4th December, Metro has been filing directly with EU customs authorities, ensuring compliance and early clearance of shipments. Non-compliance or incomplete ENS submissions can result in shipment delays, stops, and fines.

How we support your compliance

To simplify your compliance with ICS2 Phase 2, we’ve adapted our CuDoS customs brokerage platform to integrate seamlessly with the Shared Trader Interface (STI). This ensures your shipments are cleared early in the process, avoiding costly disruptions.

Our dedicated brokerage team is here to:
Guide you through ICS2 requirements.
Assist with data provision and ENS submissions.
Provide comprehensive support for import and export documentation across the EU.

Don’t let delays or penalties impact your operations. EMAIL Andy Fitchett today to learn how we can help ensure a seamless transition to ICS2 Phase 2 and keep your supply chain moving smoothly.

Category: MVT

4PL | International Trade | MVT | Supply Chain | Technology

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