Starting 31 January 2025, goods imported into Great Britain (GB) from the European Union (EU) will require Safety and Security Declaration also known as Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). If you’re moving goods into GB, this rule will apply to you, and it’s essential to be ready.

This blog will help you understand the changes as we answer some key questions about these important requirements.

What Is a Safety and Security Declaration?

A Safety and Security (S&S) Declaration is a form that has to be sent to border authorities before your goods arrive in Great Britain. It tells them details about what’s being transported, who’s sending it, where it’s going, and how it’s getting there. These measures, part of the Global WCO SAFE Framework, enhance border security by identifying high risk consignments for inspection.

Why is this needed?

It’s part of a system to check goods for potential risks, helping to keep the border safe and making sure everything is in order before it arrives. This rule has been in place for goods from outside the EU for a while, but starting in January, it will also apply to goods from the EU.

There are two types of declarations:

Entry Summary Declarations (ENS): Required for goods entering the UK.
Exit Summary Declarations (ENS): Submitted for goods leaving the UK.

For goods travelling by various transport methods, responsibility for submission varies. For example:

Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo): Hauliers must lodge declarations for accompanied goods, while ferry operators handle unaccompanied shipments
Rail: The responsibility for submitting the Safety & Security Declaration lies with the rail freight operator.
Air: The airline is responsible for ensuring the declaration is submitted.
Sea: The shipping company is responsible for completing and submitting the declaration.

Key Changes in January 2025

As mentioned, previously, S&S Declarations were only required for exports and imports from outside the EU. With the new update:

EU imports will now also need declarations, unless they are exempt, such as certain low-risk goods.
The carrier is legally responsible for submitting declarations on time and ensuring they are accurate, although a third party can handle the submission if the carrier gives consent.

Please note: Even if third party complete the declaration, the carrier still holds the legal responsibility.

Requirements to complete S&S Declaration

To ensure smooth and timely transportation of goods, it is essential for all parties involved—both hauliers/carriers and importers—to adhere to the requirements for completing the Safety & Security (S&S) Declaration. You can either handle this process yourselves or appoint a third party (such as us) to manage it on your behalf.

For Hauliers/Carriers:

It is your responsibility to ensure that all required S&S Declarations are accurately completed and submitted within the specified timeframes. This compliance is critical to avoid any disruptions at customs or borders.

For Importers:

We strongly advise you to verify that your carriers have fulfilled all S&S Declaration requirements before shipment. By doing so, you mitigate the risk of delays and ensure your goods are not held up due to incomplete or missing declarations. Taking these proactive steps ensures compliance with customs regulations, safeguards your supply chain, and minimizes the risk of unexpected delays.

It is the carrier's responsibility to ensure that these declarations are submitted on time.

Mandatory steps to Complete an S&S Declaration

1. Have a GB EORI Number
This is a registration number for trading in the UK, if you don’t have one yet.

2. Submit the Declaration Online
Declarations must be sent electronically through the government’s S&S GB system. You’ll need compatible software, or you can use a customs agent or service like ours to handle it for you.

3. Know the Timing
Declarations need to be submitted within specific timeframes. For example:

Accompanied Roll-on Roll-off Freight (RoRo): Submit at least 2 hours before arrival.
Short Sea Journeys: At least 2 hours before arrival.
Eurotunnel: At least 1 hour before arrival.

Challenges for Smaller Hauliers and Carriers and Importers

Some hauliers, especially those that are small and not based in the UK may face unique challenges with these new requirements. Before proceeding to move cargo, ensure that you understand the key information and requirements.

These include:

Complex Compliance Requirements: Registering for a GB EORI number and navigating the S&S GB platform may feel daunting, particularly for smaller operators already juggling multiple responsibilities..
Technical Readiness: Setting up or acquiring compatible software for submissions can be time consuming and complicated.

We understand this can feel overwhelming, like one more hurdle in an already demanding environment. That’s why it’s crucial to get ahead of the curve, starting early with registration and software setup can save a lot of stress in the long run.

GPL Customs can remove the stress of setting up. Our customs agents are fully trained, and we already have the relevant software in place to submit these declarations efficiently.

Remember, failure to comply could lead to penalties, delays, or even refusal of entry, so preparation is key.

How GPL Customs Can Help

At GPL Customs, we specialise in supporting small and medium-sized hauliers through this transition, removing the administrative burden and ensuring smooth compliance. Here’s how we can assist:

1. Expert Submission Services:
No need to worry about navigating complex forms or managing software. Using our state-of-the-art tools, we handle your declarations promptly and accurately, meeting all legal timeframes.

2. Comprehensive Guidance:
Unsure of what’s required or who is responsible? We’ll walk you through the entire process step by step, clarifying roles and responsibilities based on your transport method, so there’s no confusion.

3. Proactive Compliance:
We believe in starting early. By helping hauliers adopt compliance ahead of deadlines, we reduce the risk of border delays, cut costs, and ensure smooth customs processing. Early preparation means fewer surprises and a stress-free transition.

At GPL, we’re committed to making this process as simple and efficient as possible, so you can focus on your business.

Benefits of Compliance

Adhering to S&S Declaration requirements offers numerous advantages:

Efficient Border Processes: Accurate pre-arrival data minimises customs stops and reduces friction.
Enhanced Security: Compliance aids authorities in identifying and intercepting high-risk consignments.
Competitive Edge: Early adoption provides an operational advantage, particularly in high-traffic corridors.

Act Now to Stay Ahead

The transition period has happened, and all hauliers and carriers should do this now. Partnering with GPL Customs simplifies the process, saving you time and ensuring compliance.

Contact us today to begin your compliance journey. We’ll ensure you meet the new requirements while keeping your operations smooth, efficient, and stress-free.