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What Is the Entry Summary (ENS) Declaration?

31st October 2024 | by Sam Nardi

From Import to Final Mile Delivery: A Retail Logistics Case Study
An Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) is a document that details the contents of freight entering a country, allowing goods to move from one country to another. The UK is set to introduce changes to ENS legislation that will impact imports from the EU into the UK. Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know. 

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What Is the Entry Summary (ENS) Declaration?   

 

An Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) is a document that details the contents of freight entering a country, allowing goods to move from one country to another. The UK is set to introduce changes to ENS legislation that will impact imports from the EU into the UK. Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know. 

 

Why Were ENS Declarations Introduced and What’s Next? 

 

Here, we’ll explore why ENS Declarations were introduced in the first place, how they’ve impacted international trade, and what changes are on the horizon for imports between the EU and the UK. 

 

The Original Purpose of ENS Declarations 

 

Following global shifts in security measures in the early 2000s, the World Customs Organization (WCO) introduced the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Standards in 2005. This framework outlined global security measures to secure and facilitate international trade. In response, the European Union (EU) implemented safety and security (S&S) declarations as part of its customs regulations.  

These include the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) and Exit Summary Declaration (EXS), which are required by law for goods entering and exiting the EU, respectively. The purpose of these declarations is to provide customs authorities with advance information about the contents of shipments, enabling them to assess potential risks and enhance border security before goods arrive. 

 

What’s Changing On 31st January 2025?  

 

The EU operates as a customs union, which means goods can move freely between member states without being subject to customs checks or duties. As a result, Safety and Security (S&S) Declarations did not apply to the UK when it was part of the EU, allowing frictionless trade with other EU countries. 

However, since the UK officially left the EU on 31st January 2020, the UK has gradually moved away from its temporary post-Brexit arrangements and begun formalising its own laws, regulations, and trading agreements. This means that, from 31st January 2025, the UK will require an ENS for goods arriving from the EU into the UK, a requirement that has applied to goods moving from the UK to the EU since 1st January 2021. 

 

Who Will It Affect? 

 

With the upcoming changes to ENS Declarations, several key parties involved in the transportation and import of goods will be affected. From importers to carriers and logistics providers, each will face new responsibilities and potential challenges as the UK tightens its customs procedures for EU imports. 

 

How Importers Will Be Affected 

 

Importers from the EU to the UK need to be aware of these changes, as they will affect the entry of their goods. If an ENS is not submitted in advance, their goods will not be allowed to enter the country. Importers who already deal with goods coming into the UK from non-EU countries may already be familiar with ENS documentation.  

However, it is especially important for importers who have only traded within the EU to understand and comply with these new regulations. Additionally, there will be a small fee associated with the submission of the ENS, which will be passed on to the importer. 

 

How Carriers Will Be Affected 

 

The carrier has the legal responsibility to submit the ENS documentation before the goods arrive at the UK border, as they are responsible for the physical transport of the goods across the border. Failure to submit the ENS on time will result in the goods being held at the border until the necessary documentation is provided, potentially causing significant delays. 

It’s important to note that if there are multiple consignments in a single vehicle, each consignment requires a separate ENS. If even one consignment is missing its ENS, the entire shipment may be held up until the required documentation for all consignments is submitted. This is why it’s so important to be proactive and organised—if multiple consignments are missing their ENS, it could lead to considerable delays. 

 

How Logistics Providers Will Be Affected 

 

The level of involvement can vary between providers, but at Speedy Freight, when it comes to ENS Declarations, we take the same approach we apply to everything we do—actively getting involved to ensure things go as smoothly as possible. This includes, if needed, creating the necessary documentation based on the importer’s customs clearance information and coordinating with the carrier to ensure it is submitted on time, so importers don’t have to deal with the hassle. 

 

What Else Do You Need to Know? 

 

Understanding Costs 

 

An ENS is required for each separate consignment (a shipment of goods sent from one party to another), even if all consignments are transported by the same carrier. The costs for submitting the ENS are structured as follows: 

  • £6 for 1-30 consignments with one carrier. 
  • £18 for 31-100 consignments with one carrier. 
  • £27 for more than 100 consignments with one carrier. 

 

When Documentation Must Be Submitted By 

 

How You’re Shipping Goods  When to Submit (Minimum Timing Requirement) 
Maritime containerised cargo  at least 24 hours before loading at the port of departure 
Maritime bulk or break bulk cargo  at least 4 hours before arrival 
Roll on roll off (RoRo) — accompanied freight  at least 2 hours before arrival of the ferry operator 
RoRo — unaccompanied freight  at least 2 hours before arrival of the ferry operator 
Short sea journeys  at least 2 hours before arrival 
Short-haul flights — less than 4 hours’ duration  at least at the time of actual take-off 
Long-haul flights  at least 4 hours before arrival 
Rail and inland waterways  at least 2 hours before arrival 
Channel Tunnel  at least one hour before arrival at the Eurotunnel terminal by the haulier 
Road traffic  at least 1 hour before arrival 

 

Simplifying Your Imports with Speedy Freight 

 

Now that you’re equipped with everything you need to know about ENS Declarations and the changes coming into effect on 31st January 2025, you should be ready to go.  

We recognise that logistics can often be complicated and confusing, especially when it comes to staying informed on ever-changing requirements. That’s why it can be beneficial to hand over the technical details to the experts to simplify your import process.  

At Speedy Freight, we’ve been in the logistics business for years, moving goods of all sizes from A to B, regardless of the type of goods and where they’re going. 

Whether you’re an experienced importer or new to the process, we’ve got you covered. Our dedicated international team is here to help you navigate the complexities of global trade, offering a complete import and export service, including customs clearance and documentation. No matter what you’re shipping, we have the expertise to ensure a smooth import experience so you can relax. 

 

Get in touch with us now to find out how we can assist you! 

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