Stay ahead of new import requirements for a smoother transition.
What Questions I Will Answer in this blog:
What are the new Safety and Security declaration requirements from 31 January 2025?
How can I prepare my business for these new requirements?
What are the responsibilities of carriers and importers regarding these declarations?
Introduction
As a customs expert, I understand that the world of importation is constantly evolving, and staying informed is crucial for maintaining compliance. One significant change on the horizon is the requirement for Safety and Security declarations for goods imported from the EU to Great Britain, effective from 31 January 2025. This update is essential for legal compliance and the integrity and security of our trading systems. Today, I will tell you about these new requirements and how they can impact your operations. You can also download offical communication from HMRC and the exact data set.
"The key to successful compliance is staying informed and adapting to changes with integrity and professionalism." — Arne Mielken, Managing Director of Customs Manager Ltd
Abbreviations I Use in this Blog
Throughout this blog, I will refer to specific abbreviations to make our discussion clearer:
ENS: Entry Summary Declaration
GB: Great Britain
EU: European Union
What are the new Safety and Security declaration requirements from 31 January 2025?
Starting on 31 January 2025, every product brought into Great Britain from the European Union must include a Safety and Security declaration, known as an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). This updated rule is essential in enhancing our measures to prevent illegal items like drugs and weapons from coming into the UK. There are 20 required fields that must be filled out for all declarations, along with eight conditional fields that are only necessary in specific situations. The remaining nine fields are optional and may be left empty if desired.
Key changes include:
Mandatory Declarations: Any EU imports will require a Safety and Security declaration, aligning them with existing import requirements from non-EU countries.
Encouragement to Comply Early: If you are prepared to submit these declarations before the deadline, you are encouraged to do so. This proactive approach can help streamline your operations and ensure compliance ahead of time.
How can I prepare my business for these new requirements?
Preparation is vital to ensure a seamless transition. Here’s how you can prepare:
Review Responsibilities: It’s essential to discuss within your supply chains who will be responsible for completing these declarations. This could be the carrier, an intermediary, or the importer. Establishing clear responsibilities will ensure accountability and smooth operations.
Utilise Available Resources: There are various IT platforms available for submitting Safety and Security declarations, including the S&SGB system. Consider investing in specialist software or collaborating with customs agents who can assist in the process. We can file ENS Declarations for you.
Engage in Early Submission: If you currently submit Safety and Security declarations for imports from non-EU countries, leverage this experience. You won’t need to overhaul your existing systems, and you can benefit from the new reduced data requirements.
What are the responsibilities of carriers and importers regarding these declarations?
Carriers and hauliers are the primary ones responsible for submitting safety and security declarations. However, as an importer, you must ensure that these declarations are submitted correctly and on time.
Carrier Responsibility: The carrier is legally responsible for submitting the declaration. If a third party, such as an intermediary or the importer, lodges the declaration, the carrier remains accountable for its accuracy and timeliness.
Importer's Role: As an importer, you must coordinate with your carriers and supply chain to ensure compliance with these new regulations. Open lines of communication and collaboration will be critical in navigating this transition smoothly.
Arne’s Takeaway
The upcoming changes to Safety and Security declarations require immediate attention from all customs, import, and export professionals. By understanding the new requirements and preparing accordingly, you can ensure your business remains compliant and efficient.
Expert Recommendations
Engage with your Supply Chain: Discuss roles and responsibilities regarding the new declarations early on.
Consider Early Compliance: If feasible, start submitting Safety and Security declarations before the 31 January 2025 deadline.
Explore IT Solutions: Look into software options or customs agents who can assist in the submission process to ensure you are adequately supported.
Sources That I Base Our Information in This Blog On
To dive deeper into Safety and Security declarations and related legal frameworks, members can:
Subscribe to The Customs Watch – our weekly consolidation of updates to law, guidance, and policy.
Visit our Knowledge Hub Content Library and read more on www.customsmanager.info, where I have a wealth of information on this topic.
Members can search our library for any topic here: Search Results.
We file ENS Safety & Security Declarations for you.
Find out more and get in touch: https://www.customsmanager.org/customs-agent
Fancy a call?
Need help navigating the upcoming changes? I offer comprehensive support for UK import compliance. I would love to talk to you about your questions and challenges with S&S declarations for UK imports from the EU. I offer a free expert call of up to one hour, which you can book seamlessly here.I provide public, in-house, and on-demand training tailored for customs professionals, importers, exporters, and their partners. Our membership services include weekly customs trade intelligence and updates. I also offer UK import and export customs clearance services. For more details on services, visit www.customsmanager.org.
Sources That I Base Our Information in This Blog On
The information provided here is based on the latest Government announcements regarding S&S declarations for UK imports. I closely monitor updates to ensure the most accurate advice. More information here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/safety-and-security-requirements-on-imports-and-exports
Where to Find More Information On This Topic
To dive deeper into S&S declarations, subscribe to The Customs Watch—our weekly consolidation of updates to law, guidance, and policy.Visit our Knowledge Hub Content Library at www.customsmanager.info, where I have a wealth of information on this topic. Members can search our library for any topic here.
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My team and I offer extensive training on S&S declarations and other customs topics. Please visit www.customsmanager.org/events to explore the course plan and book one of the following public courses.
About the Author
I, Arne Mielken, am a customs, export control, and sanctions expert with over 20 years of experience. I have worked as an executive director for many years in Big 4 Consultancy, global trade management technology companies, and many international trade and export UK and EU trade associations. I am proud to be a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of World Traders. I am also a member of many customs, export control & sanctions associations.
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Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consulting with legal professionals, specialists, or specific compliance requirements and guidance is recommended. Book a free call with our expert at Customs Manager Ltd.
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