The UK has updated its import regulations. As a result, Safety and Security (S&S) declarations for goods arriving from the EU will become mandatory. This change will take effect starting 31 January 2025. This necessity enables UK authorities to assess potential risks linked to imports, ensuring national security and public safety.

Key Aspects of the New S&S Declaration Need

1. Entry Summary Declaration (ENS)
The ENS is distinct from customs declarations. It does not involve duties or taxes. Instead, it is focused on pre-arrival information for risk assessment.

• Applicability: ENS declarations apply to all commercial goods transported into Great Britain from the EU and other countries.

2. Who is Obliged to Show
The responsibility for submitting the ENS lies with hauliers or logistics providers. They can also appoint customs intermediaries to handle the process on their behalf.

• Submission Timeline: For ferry shipments, the ENS must be submitted. This needs to be done at least 2 hours before arrival at the port in the EU. For Eurotunnel arrivals, submission is required at least 1 hour before arrival.

Detailed Obligations and Compliance

Obligation	Requirement
Who Needs to Submit	Hauliers or carriers transporting goods from the EU into Great Britain
ENS Submission Timeline	Ferry Shipments: 2 hours before EU port arrival Eurotunnel Shipments: 1 hour before arrival
Legal Responsibility	Hauliers are responsible for ensuring ENS submissions
Mandatory Fields	20 required fields (e.g., consignor, consignee, shipment-specific details)
Conditional/Optional Fields	8 conditional fields and 9 optional fields based on shipment specifics

Potential Consequences for Non-Compliance

Failure to follow these S&S declaration requirements will result in:

• Fines for breaching regulations,
• Delays in goods processing, which disrupt supply chains, and
• Enhanced scrutiny on future imports, increasing operational risks.

Best Practices for Ensuring Compliance

To prepare for the upcoming changes, businesses should consider the next strategies:

1. Enhance Communication: Set up open channels with carriers to clarify S&S obligations.
2. Update Information Systems: Make sure systems are equipped to handle ENS data submissions accurately.
3. Engage Customs Intermediaries: Consider engaging intermediaries to manage the new requirements effectively.
4. Staff Training: Train team members on the new processes to guarantee smooth and compliant operations.

Accessing Support and Resources

The HMRC website and customs intermediary services offer guidance on meeting these new obligations. Businesses should leverage these resources to understand compliance requirements thoroughly and mitigate risks linked to the updated regulations.

Conclusion

With the 31 January 2025 deadline approaching, businesses importing goods from the EU must focus on compliance with S&S declarations. By preparing in advance and coordinating with logistics partners, companies can navigate this new regulation effectively and avoid potential disruptions.