If you import from the European Union, you'll need to be aware that significant changes are coming into effect on the 31st of January 2025. So what's the current situation, and what's going to change? ...
Such declarations serve a dual purpose: they not only support the UK government's efforts to thwart illegal goods, but also ensure that border intervention strategies are more effectively based on actual risk assessments. The aim is to bolster the security of the nation while streamlining trade processes.
The responsibility for submitting this declaration falls on the carrier, defined as the operator of the active means of transport that brings the goods into customs territory. This means that if you are involved in the logistics side of imports, it is imperative to ensure that all requisite safety and security declarations are prepared and submitted accurately. Failure to do so can lead to goods facing delays at the border or, worse yet, financial penalties.
The new legislation will involve 20 mandatory fields that you must complete on all declarations, alongside eight conditional fields - only needed under certain circumstances - and nine optional fields that you can leave blank. This streamlined dataset aims to simplify the process while ensuring compliance remains manageable for businesses of all sizes.
It's worth noting that if your business is already submitting safety and security declarations, you won't need to overhaul your existing systems. You will only need to adapt to the reduced dataset by ensuring that only the relevant fields are filled out correctly from the date of enforcement.
By preparing ahead of time and potentially submitting declarations prior to the 31st of January 2025 deadline, you can facilitate a smoother transition and mitigate risks associated with entering a new compliance landscape.
To aid your preparations, HMRC has made guides available detailing the new requirements and providing assistance on how to submit the declarations effectively:
- Safety and security declarations – new requirements from 31 January 2025
- How to submit safety and security entry summary (ENS) declarations
It's advisable to familiarise yourself with these resources to ensure you are fully equipped to manage the changes ahead.
As you consider your future imports from the EU, keep in mind that effective planning and compliance are not just regulatory obligations, but essential components of successful business operations.
Engageing with HMRC guidance will pave the way for a seamless transition, allowing you to maintain efficient logistics and protect your business interests beyond the 31st of January 2025.
Embrace these changes and ensure your actions align with the new requirements for EU-GB imports.
If you feel inspired to find out more about anything I've said here, do call me on 01908 774320 or leave a comment below and I'll be in touch as soon as I can.