Starting from January 31, 2025, carriers or entities acting on their behalf will be required to submit an ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) when transporting goods from the European Union to the United Kingdom. The UK ENS declaration is a crucial element in ensuring compliance with security and safety requirements in international trade. This new obligation, introduced by UK customs authorities, enhances the security of international goods movement and imposes new requirements on transport participants.

The UK ENS declaration contains key information necessary for risk assessment regarding the security of goods and customs compliance. The responsibility for submitting the declaration rests with carriers or other designated entities.

Who is responsible for the UK ENS declaration?

Goods transported by rail

If goods are transported by rail, the responsibility for the ENS declaration lies with the rail operator carrying out the transport to the UK.

Goods transported by air or sea

In the case of air or sea transport, the responsibility for submitting the ENS declaration falls on the entity that signed the transport contract and issued the bill of lading (for sea transport) or the air waybill (for air transport).

  • Sea transport: The responsibility lies with the shipping company.
  • Air transport: The responsibility lies with the airline carrying the goods.

Goods transported via the Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) system

For RoRo transport, responsibility varies depending on how the goods are transported:

  • Goods transported with a driver: The road transport company is responsible for submitting the ENS declaration.
  • Goods transported without a driver: The responsibility falls on the ferry operator transporting the goods to the UK.

Goods transported via combined transport

In combined transport, such as trucks transported by ferry or via the Eurotunnel, responsibility depends on the active mode of transport:

  • If the truck is transported by ferry or through the Eurotunnel and drives off the ferry or train independently upon arrival in the UK, the road transport company is responsible.
  • If a trailer or container is transported by ferry or train via the Eurotunnel, the ferry or train operator must submit the ENS declaration.

How to submit the UK ENS declaration?

Submitting the ENS declaration requires meeting several conditions, including registration in the Safety and Security Great Britain system and using specialized software. To submit the ENS declaration, you must:

  1. Register in the Safety and Security Great Britain system, which requires:
    • A Government Gateway account.
    • A GB EORI number (for companies outside the UK, prior registration is necessary to obtain this number).
  2. Have a tool for submitting the ENS declaration, which can be achieved in three ways:
    • Developing in-house compatible software.
    • Purchasing specialized software.
    • Using the services of a Community System Provider or a customs agency.

What information is required for the UK ENS declaration?

To correctly complete the ENS declaration, the following data is required:

  • Documents related to the transported goods, such as airway bills, bills of lading, and commercial invoices.
  • A detailed description of the goods, including their type, quantity, and packaging method.
  • Details of the consignor (shipper) and consignee (receiver).
  • The means of transport at the border and details of the subsequent transport route.
  • The port of entry location code in the Safety and Security Great Britain system.

Support with the UK ENS Declaration

At Proste Cło Customs Agency, operating in the UK as Simply Duty Customs Broker, we assist carriers and companies in submitting the UK ENS declaration, ensuring compliance with regulations and minimizing the risk of delays. We help avoid disruptions and guarantee regulatory compliance.