Entry of the new safety and security declaration requirements for importing goods from the EU to the UK
From 31 January 2025, any goods imported from the European Union (EU) to the United Kingdom (UK) must be covered by a safety and security declaration (also known as “entry summary declarations” or “ENS”).
Key requirements:
- 20 mandatory fields: These must be completed for all declarations.
- 8 conditional fields: These are required only in specific circumstances.
- 9 optional fields: These may be completed at your discretion or left blank
If you already submit safety and security declarations for imports from non-EU countries (or already voluntarily submit them for EU imports), you do not need to change your existing systems or procedures if you do not want to. However, from 31 January 2025, stakeholders may benefit from the reduced dataset by completing only the mandatory and any relevant conditional fields.
What you can do now?
- Businesses that are ready to start submitting safety and security declarations before 31 January are encouraged to do so.
- Consult with your supply chain partners to determine who will be responsible for completing declarations for EU to the UK imports from 31 January 2025, and the most suitable method for doing so.
- If you need more advice, you may want to speak to your trade representative.
Further guidance
For more information, please refer to the following resources provided by UK HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and shared with FIATA:
- 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, or get in touch with FIATA at [email protected]