From 31 January 2025, imports of goods from the EU into the UK will require a security declaration, also known as an ‘import summary declaration’ (ENS). The changes are designed to streamline customs processes and provide greater security at the borders.
The UK (England, Scotland and Wales) is not part of a safety and security zone with the EU. This guide sets out how to meet the safety and security requirements for importing and exporting for both the UK and Northern Ireland.
The UK (England, Scotland and Wales) is not part of a safety and security zone with the EU. This guide sets out how to meet the safety and security requirements for importing and exporting for both the UK and Northern Ireland.
Simplification of declarations
Good news - from January 2025, the range of data required on the Entry Summary Declaration will be reduced:
- 20 mandatory fields - required in every declaration,
- 8 conditional fields - to be filled in depending on the circumstances,
- 9 optional fields - which can be left blank or filled in if you deem it necessary.
If you are already making security declarations when importing from non-EU countries or voluntarily when importing into the EU, your current systems can remain unchanged. However, you can take advantage of the simplified rules and limit yourself to the mandatory and relevant conditional fields.
Who is responsible for making the declaration?
The legal responsibility for making a safety declaration lies with the carriers or transporters. However:
- Other parties, such as importers or customs brokers, may make declarations on their behalf,
- It is still the responsibility of the carrier to make sure that the declaration is submitted correctly.
How do I submit a declaration?
Declarations are sent via the Safety and Security Great Britain (S&S GB) system. This platform does not have a user interface, so declarations must be submitted via:
- S&S GB compliant software,
- The Community System provider,
- Carrier.
Ekofrost has a customs agency in Poland and the UK, so you can entrust us with all your freight formalities.
If you choose to make your own declarations, you will need to:
If you choose to make your own declarations, you will need to:
- Create a Government Gateway account,
- Have a UK EORI number (non-UK companies can apply for registration).
What information is needed for the declaration?
Preparing the declaration requires access to details such as:
- Import documents and licences (e.g. consignment notes, commercial invoices),
- Description of the goods,
- Details of the consignor and consignee,
- Type, quantity and method of packaging of the goods,
- Details of the means of transport at the border and onward journey,
- UK port of entry location code.
What to do to prepare?
🔹 If you are already declaring for imports from outside the EU, check if you can use the simplified rules.
🔹 Contact your customs agent or software provider to make sure your systems are compliant with S&S GB requirements.
🔹 Prepare the necessary data and documents to make the declaration process run smoothly.
The new requirements are a step towards safer and more transparent international trade. Save your time and entrust your customs formalities to the experts - contact us!
🔹 Contact your customs agent or software provider to make sure your systems are compliant with S&S GB requirements.
🔹 Prepare the necessary data and documents to make the declaration process run smoothly.
The new requirements are a step towards safer and more transparent international trade. Save your time and entrust your customs formalities to the experts - contact us!