NEW UK SAFETY AND SECURITY DECLARATION REQUIREMENTS FOR EU IMPORTS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2025
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 marks a significant regulatory shift for EU-UK trade, bringing EU imports in line with the UK’s customs safety and security requirements for goods from the rest of the world.
Under the new requirements, businesses must provide information through a standardized dataset. This includes 20 mandatory fields that must be completed for every declaration, alongside 8 conditional fields required in specific circumstances. Additionally, there are 9 optional fields that can be left blank if not applicable.
Businesses already submitting safety and security declarations for imports from non-EU countries - or voluntarily doing so for EU imports - will not need to make changes to their systems or processes unless they wish to adopt the streamlined dataset, focusing only on mandatory and relevant conditional fields.
To ensure a seamless transition, UK authorities encourage businesses to begin preparing now. Early adopters can start submitting declarations ahead of the January 2025 deadline. Collaboration within supply chains will also be essential to determine who is responsible for filing these declarations and which submission methods are most appropriate.
To support the implementation, the UK HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has provided comprehensive guidance materials, including detailed readiness slides, FAQs, and practical instructions for submission. These resources, shared with CLECAT, aim to address common queries and simplify compliance processes. CLECAT encourages members to prepare early and ensure clear communication with partners to avoid disruptions.
- Safety and Security readiness slides: An overview of S&S declarations.
- Safety and Security (S&S) import declarations - FAQs: Answers to common questions.
- How to submit S&S declarations: Practical guidance on submission.
Should you need any additional information, please visit the UK HM Revenue & Customs webpage.