#customsdeclarationsuk

Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Entry Summary Declarations in Great Britain

With the upcoming enforcement of mandatory ENS requirements for imports from the European Union (EU) into Great Britain (GB) effective January 31, 2025, it's crucial for businesses to familiarize themselves with the submission process to ensure compliance and avoid potential disruptions.

Understanding Entry Summary Declarations (ENS)

An Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) is a pre-arrival notification that provides UK customs authorities with advance information about goods being imported into GB. This measure enhances border security by allowing authorities to assess potential risks before goods enter the country.

Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting ENS in Great Britain

Register for the Safety and Security GB (S&S GB) Service

Obtain an EORI Number: Ensure your business has an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number starting with 'GB'. If you do not have one, you can apply during the registration process.

Create a Government Gateway Account: If you don't have one, you'll need to create a Government Gateway user ID and password.

Register for S&S GB: Use your Government Gateway credentials to register for the S&S GB service, which is necessary for submitting ENS declarations.

Gather Required InformationBefore submitting an ENS, collect the following details:

Consignor and Consignee Information: Names and addresses of the sender and receiver.

Goods Description: Detailed description, including the Harmonized System (HS) codes.

Transport Information: Details about the means and mode of transport, including vessel or vehicle identification.

Route and Location Data: Planned route, including ports of entry and exit.

Cargo Details: Information on the nature and quantity of the goods.

Select a Submission MethodYou can submit ENS declarations through:

Compatible Software: Purchase software that integrates with the S&S GB system.

Community System Providers (CSPs): Engage with CSPs who can submit declarations on your behalf.

Customs Declarations UK Platform: Consider using Customs Declarations UK's ENS service, which offers a user-friendly interface for submitting ENS declarations efficiently.

Prepare and Submit the ENS Declaration

Data Entry: Input the gathered information accurately into your chosen platform.

Validation: Ensure all mandatory fields are completed, and the data complies with UK customs requirements.

Submission Timing: Submit the ENS within the required time frames before the goods arrive in GB. The specific timing depends on the mode of transport.

Monitor and Manage the Declaration

Acknowledgment Receipt: After submission, you'll receive a Movement Reference Number (MRN) as confirmation.

Amendments: If there are changes to the shipment, you can amend the ENS up until the point of arrival in the UK. Note that amendments do not reset the original submission time limits.

Record Keeping: Maintain records of all declarations and communications for compliance and audit purposes.

Recommendation: Utilizing Customs Declarations UK's ENS Service

In my experience, Customs Declarations UK provides a comprehensive platform that simplifies the ENS submission process. Their service offers:

Automated Data Entry: Reduces manual input and errors with intelligent data processing.

Real-Time Compliance Checks: Ensures your declarations meet the latest regulatory standards.

Fast Submission: Allows for quick submission of ENS declarations, ensuring timely compliance.

Expert Support: Access to a team of customs experts for guidance and assistance whenever needed.

For more detailed information about their ENS services, you can visit their dedicated page: Safety and Security Declarations (ENS).

Preparing for the January 31, 2025 Deadline

With the enforcement date approaching, it's imperative to:

Ensure Registration: Complete your registration with the S&S GB service.

Train Staff: Educate relevant personnel on ENS requirements and submission procedures.

Test Submissions: Conduct test submissions to identify and resolve any potential issues before the deadline.

Collaborate with Partners: Work closely with supply chain partners to ensure all necessary data is accurate and submissions are timely.

By following this step-by-step guide and utilizing reliable services like those offered by Customs Declarations UK, businesses can navigate the ENS submission process effectively, ensuring compliance and minimizing disruptions to their operations.

Author Profile:

(David Hawk)

Understanding the UK's Safety and Security Declaration Requirements for Imports and Exports

Effective 31 January 2025, businesses importing goods into Great Britain (GB) from the European Union (EU) must comply with mandatory Safety and Security Declaration (ENS) requirements. With the upcoming enforcement of Safety and Security Declarations (ENS) for imports into Great Britain (GB) from the European Union (EU), it's crucial for businesses to prepare for these changes to ensure seamless trade operations.

Understanding Safety and Security Declarations (ENS)

Safety and Security Declarations, commonly known as Entry Summary Declarations (ENS), are pre-arrival notifications that provide UK customs authorities with advance information about goods being imported into GB. These declarations are essential for assessing potential risks and enhancing border security.

Key Benefits of ENS Compliance:

Enhanced Border Security: Facilitates the identification and prevention of illegal or dangerous goods from entering the UK.

Minimized Disruption: Ensures the smooth flow of legitimate goods, reducing delays at customs.

Streamlined Data Requirements: The new requirements feature a reduced dataset, simplifying compliance for businesses unfamiliar with import/export declarations.

Mandatory Compliance from January 31, 2025

Since Brexit, EU imports to GB were temporarily exempt from Safety and Security Declarations. This waiver has been extended multiple times, with the latest extension pushing the requirement to January 31, 2025.

This change aims to:

Support Intelligent Risk Assessment: Enables faster clearance of legitimate goods.

Enhance Border Protection: Strengthens the UK's ability to effectively safeguard its borders.

Ensure Compliance with International Trade Standards: Aligns with global practices for trade security.

Who Is Responsible for Submitting ENS Declarations?

The responsibility for submitting Safety and Security Declarations varies depending on the mode of transport:

By Rail: The rail freight operator is responsible.

By Air or Sea: The airline or shipping company must submit the declaration.

Roll-On, Roll-Off (RoRo): The haulage company is responsible for accompanied goods, while the ferry operator is responsible for unaccompanied goods.

Businesses, agents, or intermediaries can also submit declarations on behalf of carriers with proper authorization.

How to Comply with ENS Requirements

For Imports:

Register for ENS: Businesses should register via the official Gov.UK platform.  GOV.UK

Collaborate with Supply Chain Partners: Determine who is responsible for submissions and ensure all required data is prepared.

Use Compatible Software: Utilize software or platforms that facilitate the submission of declarations.

For Exports:

Ensure Data Accuracy: Submit all required data through the appropriate platform before goods depart GB.

Include Movement Reference Number (MRN): If goods are routed through ports using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS), ensure the MRN is included.

Recommendation: Customs Declarations UK's ENS Service

In my search for effective solutions to assist businesses in complying with these new requirements, I came across Customs Declarations UK, a platform that offers a comprehensive ENS service. Their platform is designed to streamline the submission process, ensuring compliance with the latest UK regulations.

Key Features of Customs Declarations UK's Platform:

Automated Data Entry: Reduces manual input and errors with intelligent data processing.

Real-Time Compliance Checks: Ensures your declarations meet the latest regulatory standards.

Fast Submission: Allows for quick submission of ENS declarations, ensuring timely compliance.

Expert Support: Access to a team of customs experts for guidance and assistance whenever needed.

For more detailed information about their ENS services, you can visit their dedicated page: Safety and Security Declarations (ENS).

Preparing for the Deadline

With the January 31, 2025, deadline approaching, it's imperative for businesses to act promptly to ensure compliance. Steps to take include:

Registering for the appropriate platforms.

Testing the submission process to identify and resolve potential issues early.

Training staff on the requirements for Safety and Security Declarations.

Collaborating with supply chain partners to gather accurate data for declarations.