What is an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS)?

An ENS is a document that provides safety and security information for goods being imported into the UK. It must be submitted before the goods arrive.

When does the new S&S rule start?

The new rules come into effect on October 31, 2024.

What information is needed for the ENS?

Information like the consignor, consignee, a description of the goods, gross weight, and transport details are required.

Who is responsible for submitting the ENS?

The haulier is responsible for submitting the ENS, but if you are working with us, we will handle this on your behalf.

What happens if the ENS is not submitted on time?

Delays in submitting the ENS could result in customs delays, preventing your goods from entering the UK on time.

New Rules for Shipping Goods to the UK - Universal Customs Clearance

ENS requirements for UK imports 2024

Starting on October 31st, 2024, there are new rules for bringing goods into the UK. These rules effect trucks that use Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) services. Hauliers must now send an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) before their goods arrive. This helps keep everyone safe.

What Information Is Needed?

When sending goods, hauliers need to tell us:

Consignor and Consignee Information: Who is sending and receiving the goods.
Description of Goods: What items are being shipped.
Commodity Codes: Special codes for the items.
Gross Weight: How much the shipment weighs.
Transport Details: How the goods are moving and their Registration numbers.
Route Information: Departure and destination ports, including any transit countries
Haulier Company Details: Information about the haulier responsible for the goods
Ferry Operator: The operator of the ferry being used for Ro-Ro shipments
ETA Time & Date: Estimated time and date of arrival for the shipment
Trailer Seal: Seal number if applicable.

When to Send the ENS

Hauliers must send the ENS by certain times to follow the ENS requirements for UK imports :

Air Cargo: 4 hours before it arrives.
Deep-Sea Shipping: 24 hours before it is loaded.
Short-Sea Shipping: 2 to 24 hours before it arrives.
Road Transport: 1 hour before the goods arrive.

What About the Goods Movement Reference (GMR)?

Hauliers will need the ENS to create a Goods Movement Reference (GMR). You can only create a GMR without an ENS for empty GMRs.

Who Is Responsible?

Hauliers must collect and send the right information on time. We, as customs agents, will help by submitting the ENS and giving advice.

Challenges for Hauliers

The new rules mean:

More paperwork to fill out.
Tight deadlines to meet.
Possible delays if the information is wrong.

How We Can Help

To make this easier for our clients, we will:

Give support and answer questions about the ENS requirements.
Submit the ENS on time to avoid delays.
Keep everyone updated on any changes.

Conclusion

These new rules might be hard for hauliers, but we are here to help. By working together, we can make sure goods get delivered safely and on time, following the ENS requirements for UK imports.

For more information, visit the UK government’s websites about Entry Summary Declarations and Safety and Security Requirements.