Why are entry summary declarations required?
Entry summary declarations are required in accordance with the SAFE Framework of Standards. The data submitted on the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) is used to assist the customs authorities in assessment of the safety and security of goods entering a territory.
• Security and safety assessment: Customs use the ENS to assess the risk of the cargo.
• Documentation: The ENS provides information to the shipper about whether they need additional certificates or documentation.
• Shipping approval: If the cargo is approved for shipping, the shipper will receive a Movement Reference Number (MRN).
Who is responsible for submitting an entry summary declaration?
The carrier is the party responsible for submitting the ENS declaration, such as the trucking operator, the airline or the shipping company. From 31st January 2025, UK legislation requires that all hauliers entering the United Kingdom from Europe, the complete a Safety and Security (S&S) declaration for import shipments entering the United Kingdom. ENS stands for Entry Summary Declaration, and S&S GB stands for Safety and Security Great Britain. S&S GB is the service that handles the ENS for goods being imported into Great Britain from the EU and the rest of the world.
Pre-arrival and pre-departure information
The safety and security regulations mandate pre-arrival and pre-departure information for all consignments entering and leaving Great Britain (including Remain on Board goods).
There are exceptions for qualifying Northern Ireland goods moving from either:
• Northern Ireland to Great Britain
• Northern Ireland to Ireland, and then to Great Britain
How much does an entry summary declaration cost?
Alinea Customs charge £10 to submit an ENS declaration in circumstances where we have created the customs declaration, and £15 where the ENS declaration is submitted as a standalone document, and 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: Unique consignment reference number and transport document reference.
6. Safety/Security: Hazardous materials or customs procedure declarations (if applicable).
How do S & S GB declarations interact with the Good Vehicle Movement Service?
In a similar method to a customs declaration, the Movement Reference Number (MRN) of the ENS declaration should be entered into GVMS, whereby the data will be incorporated into a Goods Movement Reference (GMR).
From 31st January 2025, a valid S&S Movement Reference Number (MRN) must be incorporated into the Goods Movement Reference (GMR). It is crucial to note that without a valid S&S MRN, no GMR will be issued, resulting in the inability to board ferries for transportation.
Non-compliance with the S&S declaration requirement prior to arrival at the port of export may lead to substantial consequences, including:
• Shipping delays
• Potential financial penalties
• Disruption to supply chain operations
Can I submit an entry summary declaration myself?
Carriers may register with the UK government to submit an ENS declaration. Register to make an ENS declaration: here
Carriers will also need to subscribe to ENS declaration service software and the relevant port’s community service provider.
Alinea Customs provide ENS declaration services, existing clients may instruct Alinea Customs to create an ENS declaration, new clients may open an ENS Declaration Account. Please find a link to: open an ENS account.
