This is a reminder that from 31st January 2025, any goods imported from the EU to Great Britain must be covered by a Safety and Security Declaration - also known as Entry Summary Declarations (ENS).

The Safety and Security (S&S) is the Entry Summary Declaration Service (ENS) for goods imported into the UK from the EU and around the world. These declarations must be submitted before the goods reach the UK border and apply to all modes of transport.

These declarations are part of the UK’s post-Brexit customs regulations- introducing gradual border controls, with particular attention to the requirement for goods imported from the EU. It is important to note that the ENS declaration is separate and independent from the import customs declaration for goods and does not include any duties or taxes.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the UK’s tax and customs authority says that safety and security declarations provide:

“Important additional information to support the fight against illicit goods such as drugs and weapons entering the UK and help to ensure that interventions at the border are based on risk.”

The deadline for the requirement to submit Safety and Security Declaration for EU imports was originally set for 31st October 2024. However, the decision was taken to extend the deadline to January 2025 to provide businesses with additional time to prepare for the new customs requirements.

To complete an S&S GB declaration, businesses must provide a valid Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number, company details, total number of packages and weight, and the estimated time of arrival, among other key details.

• 20 mandatory fields must be completed for all declarations.

• 8 conditional fields only need to be completed in certain circumstances.

• 9 optional fields which may be left blank. 

To help businesses comply with the new requirements, HMRC has put together this helpsheet:

It is expected that UK border controls will strictly enforce this regulation. Failing to complete a declaration could result in delays and financial penalties. 

Carriers or hauliers are legally responsible for submitting S&S declarations. You can choose to submit ENS declarations yourself. Or you can use a third-party such as the importer or an intermediary to submit entry summary declarations on your behalf.

Although the responsibility lies with the carrier of the goods, A-Sonic can help prepare S&S declarations to complement your existing import customs declaration or as a stand-alone service. Speak to one of our team to learn more about how we can support your compliance requirements.