How to Do ENS Declarations: A Guide to Upcoming Safety and Security Requirements

As an importer in Great Britain (GB), understanding the new **Safety and Security declarations** requirements is crucial, especially with the January 31, 2025 deadline fast approaching. This blog post will guide you through the essentials of how to do **ENS declarations**, ensuring your business stays compliant and efficient.

What Are Safety and Security Declarations?

Starting January 31, 2025, all goods imported from the European Union (EU) to GB must be accompanied by a Safety and Security declaration, also known as an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). If your business already exports from GB to the EU or imports from countries outside the EU, you’re likely familiar with these declarations.

Why Are They Important?

Safety and Security declarations play a vital role in combating illicit goods, such as drugs and weapons, from entering the UK. The responsibility for submitting these declarations lies primarily with carriers or hauliers. However, other parties—like importers or intermediaries—can submit the declaration on the carrier’s behalf, though the carrier remains responsible for compliance.

Calais port, green and orange route for vehicles disembarking ferry from Dover.
Screen showing customs status of vehicles on board of the Dover Calais ferry.
Preparing for ENS Declarations
Who Should Be Involved?

Before the January 2025 deadline, it’s essential to discuss with your supply chain who will be responsible for completing the Safety and Security declarations for EU to GB imports. Establishing clear roles will streamline the process and help avoid any last-minute complications.

How to Submit Safety and Security Declarations

Submissions are made through an IT platform known as S&SGB. You have various options for completing your declarations:

– **Specialist Software**: Consider investing in software tailored for making these declarations.

– **Customs Agents/Intermediaries**: You can also use customs agents to assist with the submission process.

For detailed guidance, refer to the GOV.UK resources on making an Entry Summary Declaration.

Changes Coming on January 31, 2025

To simplify the submission process, the UK government is reducing the amount of information required for Safety and Security declarations. Here’s what you need to know:

New Structure of ENS Declarations

From January 31, there will be:

– **20 Mandatory Fields**: These must be completed for all declarations.

– **8 Conditional Fields**: These are only required in specific circumstances.

– **9 Optional Fields**: These can be left blank if not applicable.

If you already submit declarations for imports from outside the EU, you don’t need to overhaul your existing systems. You can simply adapt to the new requirements by focusing on the mandatory and relevant conditional fields starting in January 2025.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the changes to Safety and Security declarations can seem daunting, but by preparing in advance and understanding the requirements, you can ensure a smooth transition. If you have questions or need assistance, consider reaching out to your trade representative for tailored advice.

Staying informed about how to do ENS declarations will not only help you comply with the new regulations but also support the broader goal of keeping the UK safe from illicit goods. Start preparing today to ensure your business is ready for the upcoming changes