The UK’s implementation of mandatory Safety and Security Declarations (ENS) for imports and exports will take full effect on 31 January 2025. This change applies to all businesses importing or exporting goods to and from Great Britain (GB), marking a significant transition from previous waivers applied to European Union (EU) trade. These regulations aim to enhance border security, streamline customs processes, and align EU trade protocols with those applied to the rest of the world.
What Are Safety and Security Declarations?
Safety and Security Declarations provide critical pre-arrival and pre-departure information about goods crossing UK borders. Submitted electronically through the Safety and Security Great Britain (S&S GB) platform, these declarations allow authorities to assess and mitigate potential risks before goods enter or exit the country.
Key Benefits:
- Improved Border Security: Pre-arrival data enables authorities to prevent illegal or dangerous goods from entering the UK.
- Minimized Delays: Legitimate goods can pass through borders swiftly, reducing disruptions.
- Streamlined Compliance: Businesses can use a reduced dataset for ENS, making it easier to meet legal obligations.
Why Are These Changes Necessary?
Since the UK left the EU, imports from EU countries have benefited from a temporary waiver, exempting them from ENS requirements. However, this waiver ends on 31 January 2025, making ENS mandatory for all imports.
This move ensures the UK:
- Complies with global trade standards.
- Enhances its ability to assess risks and maintain border integrity.
- Reduces the likelihood of delays or disruptions caused by inconsistent customs procedures.
Who Needs to Submit ENS?
Responsibility for submitting ENS declarations depends on the mode of transport:
- Rail: Rail freight operators submit the declarations.
- Air or Sea: Airlines or shipping companies are responsible.
- Roll-On, Roll-Off (RoRo): Haulage companies submit for accompanied goods; ferry operators submit for unaccompanied goods.
Businesses importing from the EU for the first time must familiarize themselves with these requirements. For those experienced in non-EU trade, the process will feel familiar.
Key Requirements for ENS Submission
To comply with the new regulations, businesses must provide accurate data at the following levels:
- Header Level: Includes details such as local reference numbers, customs offices of entry, and expected arrival dates and times.
- Item Level: Requires information on goods descriptions, commodity codes, packaging details, and consignee/consignor identities.
- Combined Levels: Data such as gross mass and place of loading may appear at either the header or item level.
Notably, S&S GB supports bulk declarations for consignments following identical routing, provided all item-level data is included.
How to Submit ENS with Customs Declarations UK
Customs Declarations UK offers a streamlined and intuitive platform for submitting ENS declarations. Businesses can avoid the complexities of in-house development or third-party integrations by leveraging our ready-to-use platform, which is live and fully compliant with S&S GB requirements.
Why Choose Customs Declarations UK?
- Ease of Use: Our user-friendly platform simplifies the ENS submission process, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Bulk Declarations: Handle multiple consignments under a single declaration, reducing administrative burdens.
- Real-Time Support: Our experts provide guidance to resolve any issues during the submission process.
- Flexible Pricing Options: Choose from Pay-As-You-Go or Subscription models to fit your business needs.
Getting Started:
- Register now via Customs Declarations UK.
- Familiarize yourself with the platform before the 31 January 2025 deadline to ensure a smooth transition.
Preparing for the Deadline
With the deadline approaching, businesses must take the following steps:
- Collaborate with Supply Chain Partners: Ensure roles and responsibilities for ENS submissions are clearly defined.
- Register on the Customs Declarations UK Platform: Complete your setup and start testing the submission process early.
- Verify Data Accuracy: Ensure all required information for goods is accurate and available before submission.
- Leverage Expert Support: Use the resources and support provided by Customs Declarations UK to avoid delays or penalties.
Conclusion
The introduction of mandatory ENS requirements for imports and exports marks a critical milestone in the UK’s border management strategy. By streamlining data collection and enhancing security, these regulations benefit both businesses and national safety.
Customs Declarations UK is proud to support businesses during this transition, offering a live, user-friendly platform that simplifies ENS compliance. Sign up today and ensure your operations are ready for 31 January 2025.
Visit Customs Declarations UK to get started!