From 31 January 2025, with the introduction of customs checks, all goods entering the UK will be subject to an ENS (Entry Summary Declaration). This safety and security declaration was originally scheduled to come into force on 31 October 2024.

The United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union’s safety and security area. Consequently, all European businesses importing goods from the European Union to Great Britain will need to complete this declaration or instruct a third party to submit the required information.

The UK customs authorities will therefore have access to detailed information on the goods (type of goods, origin, destination, details of the consignor, consignee, carrier and means of transport used, as well as the transport contract references) before they arrive on UK territory. This enables better control of risks at the borders by ensuring an advance assessment of goods flows.

The carrier – that is, the operator responsible for the transport, whether by road, sea, air or rail – must submit this declaration. However, this task may be delegated to a third party, such as a customs agent or an intermediary, with the carrier’s consent. The carrier nevertheless remains responsible for ensuring that the declaration has been submitted within the statutory time limits.

Sources: Paris Ile-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry / L’Officiel des Transporteurs 17 January 2025