Summary
From 31 January 2025, all goods imported into the United Kingdom from the European Union will require a Safety and Security declaration, also known as an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). This regulatory update aligns EU imports with the UK’s existing customs security requirements for the rest of the world.
Businesses must now prepare for these changes, which require a standardized dataset submission, including 20 mandatory fields, 8 conditional fields, and 9 optional fields
Which businesses does this affect?
- UK businesses that import only from the EU: These companies will need to start submitting ENS declarations for the first time.
- UK businesses that import from both the EU and non-EU countries: Their non-EU import declarations remain unchanged, but they need to ensure ENS declarations for EU imports are also submitted.
What you should do to stay compliant and avoid disruptions
To ensure a seamless transition to the new UK Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) requirements, businesses should take the following steps:
- Clarify Responsibility in the Supply Chain
Determine who in your supply chain is responsible for filing ENS declarations (carriers, hauliers, or third-party customs agents).
- Utilize HMRC’s Guidance
The UK government has released readiness materials, including FAQs, compliance slides, and technical submission guides.
🔗 Safety and Security Declarations – FAQs
🔗 Manage ENS Compliance
- Ensure Data Accuracy
Businesses must provide complete and accurate information, including goods descriptions, transport details, and consignee information.
- Work with a Customs Partner
Partnering with Gerlach Customs ensures that your business stays compliant while minimizing administrative burdens and costs.
How Gerlach Customs Can Help You Navigate These Changes
At Gerlach Customs, we have over 1,000 employees across 27 countries and extensive experience managing customs compliance across changing regulations. This is not the first time businesses have faced regulatory shifts, and we have a proven track record of helping clients transition smoothly.
Our expertise ensures your business remains compliant and efficient by offering:
- Regulatory Guidance & Compliance Support
We help you understand the new ENS requirements, ensuring all mandatory data fields are correctly completed.
- Seamless ENS Submission Assistance: Our specialists can assist with filing ENS declarations, ensuring accuracy, and avoiding potential penalties.
- Risk Assessment & Cost Optimization
We analyze your supply chain to mitigate risks and identify the most cost-effective way to comply with the new requirements.
- Digital Solutions & Automation
We support businesses in integrating ENS declarations into their existing customs processes with minimal disruption.
By working with Gerlach, businesses can proactively adapt to these regulatory changes, avoiding costly delays and ensuring their imports reach the UK smoothly
If you prefer to handle this process without the assistance of a customs professional, we recommend referring to the official UK government sources for the most up-to-date guidance.
🔗 Safety and Security Declarations Overview
🔗 ENS Import Declaration Guidelines
🔗 Entry Summary Declaration Requirements
🔗 How to Submit S&S Declaration
Conclusion: Prepare Now to Avoid Trade Disruptions
The introduction of mandatory Safety and Security (ENS) declarations for EU imports marks a significant regulatory change, but with the right preparation, businesses can ensure compliance without disruption.
At Gerlach Customs, we have successfully guided companies through previous regulatory shifts, ensuring smooth transitions and continued trade efficiency.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you comply with the new UK import security requirements and optimize your customs processes.
