From 31 January 2025, every import from the EU into Great Britain must be covered by an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), also known as a Safety & Security Declaration.
This requirement also applies to Remain on Board cargo, Eurotunnel traffic and RoRo ferry movements.
Submitting an ENS is a legal obligation. Failure to comply may result in Border Force (FEDAT) controls, delays, or penalties.
What changes from 31 January 2025?
The new rules simplify the ENS process:
- Only 20 mandatory data fields are required in every declaration.
- An additional 8 conditional fields apply only in certain situations.
- There are 9 optional fields that can remain blank.
Companies already filing safety and security declarations for goods arriving from outside the EU do not need to change their systems – but they can benefit from the new rules by focusing only on the mandatory and conditional fields.
Who is responsible for the ENS?
- Carriers (the operator of the active means of transport) are legally responsible.
- An agent or intermediary may file on their behalf, but then assumes full responsibility for the accuracy of the data.
Filing deadlines by mode of transport
ENS declarations must be submitted within the following minimum timeframes:
- Maritime (containerised cargo): at least 24 hours before loading at the port of departure.
- Maritime (bulk/breakbulk): at least 4 hours before arrival.
- RoRo (accompanied/unaccompanied): at least 2 hours before the ferry’s arrival.
- Short sea voyages: at least 2 hours before arrival.
- Short-haul flights (under 4 hours): at the time of actual departure.
- Long-haul flights: at least 4 hours before arrival.
- Rail and inland waterways: at least 2 hours before arrival.
- Eurotunnel: at least 1 hour before arrival at the Coquelles terminal.
- Road transport: at least 1 hour before arrival.
Exemptions from ENS
You do not need to submit an ENS for:
- Movements between the EU and Northern Ireland, or qualifying goods from NI to GB.
- Goods where ENS was not previously required, e.g.:
- Electricity,
- Goods moved by pipeline,
- Postal items (letters, postcards, printed materials, including digital media),
- Accompanied personal baggage,
- Goods declared orally to customs.
How to file an ENS
ENS declarations must be lodged via the Safety and Security Great Britain (S&S GB) system.
Options include:
- Using specialist software,
- Working with a customs agent (recommended),
- Filing directly (requires registration with Government Gateway and a UK EORI number).
To complete an ENS you will need:
- Commercial documents (e.g. invoices, bills of lading, CMR),
- Licences or permits where required,
- Full details of goods, consignor, consignee, and transport.
Why preparation matters
Border Force has reported frequent errors in ENS filings – especially in:
- Arrival times (must be in GMT),
- Vehicle registration numbers, trailer/container numbers,
- Customs office codes (e.g. Dover GB000040, Channel Tunnel GB000060),
- Mode of transport codes (Eurotunnel = 3, RoRo accompanied = 10, RoRo unaccompanied = 11).
Incorrect data can mean inspection, delay, and added costs.
What you should do now
- Decide who in your supply chain will file the ENS.
- Review your current process – are all mandatory fields being filled correctly?
- Start filing early to ensure smooth compliance before the deadline.
Why work with Terminus?
With over 22 years of customs experience, we support businesses trading with the UK and EU every day.
✅ 24/7 support – whenever your shipment moves, we’re available.
✅ No hidden costs – clear, competitive pricing.
✅ Nationwide coverage – fully electronic clearances across the UK.
✅ Personal service – you’ll work with a customs expert, not a machine.
✅ Trusted by exporters and importers across Europe.
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