Why are Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) required?
ENS are required in accordance with the SAFE Framework of Standards to help customs authorities assess the safety and security of goods entering a territory.
Starting from Friday 31st January 2025, UK legislation mandates all logistics movements entering the United Kingdom from Europe to complete a Safety and Security (S&S) declaration.
What is the Safety and Security Great Britain (S&S)?
S&S GB is the service that handles the ENS for goods being imported into Great Britain. This includes:
• Security and Safety Risk Assessment: Customs assess cargo using ENS.
• Documentation: ENS determines if the shipper requires additional certificates or documentation.
• Shipping Approval: Approved cargo receives a Movement Reference Number (MRN).
Who is responsible for submitting an entry summary declaration?
The carrier – such as the haulier, airline or shipping company is the party responsible for submitting the ENS declaration.
Pre-arrival and pre-departure information
ENS is mandatory for all consignments entering/leaving Great Britain, including Remain on Board goods, with exceptions for certain Northern Ireland movements:
• Northern Ireland to Great Britain
• Northern Ireland to Ireland, and then to Great Britain
How much does an entry summary declaration cost?
Alinea Customs charges:
£10 to submit an ENS declaration where we have created the customs declaration
£15 for a standalone ENS submission, where we have not created the customs declaration.
What data is required for an entry summary declaration?
1. Declarant Details: Name, address, and EORI number.
2. Consignor and Consignee: Name, address, and EORI numbers.
3. Transport Information: Mode, identification, nationality, arrival date/time, routing details.
4. Goods Details: Commodity description, codes, weights, packaging details, container and seal numbers where goods arrive by sea
5. Movement Reference Numbers: Unique consignment reference number and transport document reference.
6. Safety/Security: Hazardous materials or customs procedure declarations (if applicable).
How do ENS declarations interact with the Good Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS)?
Similar to a customs declaration, the Movement Reference Number (MRN) of the ENS declaration should be entered into GVMS, in order to create a Goods Movement Reference (GMR). Without the ENS, boarding ferries is prohibited, causing shipping delays, penalties, and supply chain disruption.
Can I submit an entry summary declaration myself?
Carriers may register with the UK government to submit an ENS declaration and subscribe to relevant ENS declaration service software and port’s community service provider. Whether this option will be cost-effective depends on economies of scale. Alternatively, Alinea Customs provide ENS declaration services.
