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Safety and security declarations for EU imports

Feb 5, 2025 | , , ,

From 31st January, businesses importing goods from the European Union (EU) to Great Britain (GB) must comply with new UK safety and security declaration requirements.

While some businesses are already prepared – voluntarily submitting around three million declarations annually – many others need to act quickly to ensure compliance.

New requirements explained

Following the UK’s exit from the EU, imports from the EU have been exempt from safety and security declarations. However, this waiver ends on 31st January, bringing EU imports in line with the requirements already applied to goods from the rest of the world.

Safety and security declarations provide pre-arrival information for goods entering GB. These are submitted via the Safety and Security Great Britain (S&S GB) IT platform. By collecting this data, authorities can conduct more intelligent risk assessments, minimising delays for legitimate goods while preventing illegal or dangerous items from entering the country.

Declarations must be completed accurately and submitted before goods reach the GB border. Failure to comply may result in delays, unnecessary checks, or penalties. Businesses are urged to prepare now to avoid disruptions.

All businesses importing from the EU to GB must be aware of these regulations. Hauliers and carriers are legally responsible for submitting declarations, although third parties, such as agents or intermediaries, can submit them on their behalf with consent. Responsibility varies by mode of transport.

Submitting safety and security declarations

Declarations are made via the S&S GB platform. Businesses already set up for importing from outside the EU can continue using their existing systems and datasets. However, they may opt for the reduced dataset for EU imports.

Specialist software is required to submit declarations, as S&S GB does not have a user interface. Businesses can either develop their own software, purchase compatible software, or use the services of a system provider.

HMRC’s advice for shippers is to use customs agents like Metro, that have instructed their hauliers and confirm that they have primary and contingency methods in place.

If changes occur, declarations can be amended at any point before the goods reach the GB border. Once accepted, a Movement Reference Number (MRN) will be issued. This number is essential for goods moving through ports using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service.

Metro’s role in supporting customers

Metro will handle these new requirements on behalf of its customers, ensuring compliance and minimising disruption. With expertise in customs processes and advanced systems like its proprietary CuDoS platform, Metro simplifies declaration submissions while maintaining 99% accuracy and rapid processing times.

This proactive approach ensures goods continue to move smoothly, enabling businesses to focus on growth while Metro manages the complexities of import declarations. For businesses navigating these changes, Metro provides the expertise and technology to stay compliant and avoid unnecessary delays.

Webinar

Metro’s customs team ran a webinar on Friday 31st January – “Navigate 2025: Customs Challenges and Changes with Confidence” – to explain these and other customs changes.

Hosted by Andy Fitchett, Head of Customs & Compliance and Matt Weight, Director of Key Accounts, the webinar reviewed new regulations, processes, and challenges for businesses across the UK and Europe, including:

– Mastering Safety and Security Declarations for EU imports.
– Updates on the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS) Phase 5.
– Understanding the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and its impact.
– DEFRA updates, market news, and more!

You can download the presentation material from the Webinar, or watch a recording of the webinar.

CLICK to download content

CLICK to view webinar

Metro are at the forefront of customs brokerage solutions, with our automated CuDoS declaration platform and dedicated team of customs experts, reacting swiftly to any changes in the UK and EU’s trading regimes.

To learn more about safety and security declarations, OR to see how we can simplify and automate customs declarations – please EMAIL Andy Fitchett, Brokerage Manager.

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ICS2 Phase 2: What you need to know and how we can help

Jan 8, 2025 | , , , , , , ,

On 4th December 2024, Phase 2 of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) was deployed, requiring maritime and inland waterways house-level filers, including Metro, to directly submit detailed safety and security data to EU customs authorities.

ICS2 is the EU’s advanced customs system designed to enhance supply chain security and facilitate smooth trade across its external borders. By collecting and analysing cargo data in advance, ICS2 allows customs authorities to identify risks early, ensuring efficient processing of low-risk goods while prioritising inspections for high-risk consignments.

Key benefits of ICS2

ICS2 streamlines customs procedures while securing the supply chain by:
Proactively identifying high-risk consignments for early intervention.
Reducing delays and costs through faster and smoother cross-border clearance.
Simplifying data exchange between Economic Operators (EOs) and customs authorities.

Enhanced data requirements
To comply with ICS2, all exporters and logistics providers must provide comprehensive data via the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), including:

6-digit Harmonised System Code.
Commercial descriptions of goods.
EU-registered EORI numbers.

Complete details of the seller, buyer, and consignee.Prompt submission of this data enables accurate risk assessments, helping to avoid shipment delays.

ENS filing timelines

For maritime transport, ENS submissions must adhere to strict timelines:
1. Two hours before arrival at the first EU port of entry for goods from nearby regions (e.g., Greenland, Morocco, or the Mediterranean) with journeys under 24 hours.
2. Four hours before arrival for bulk cargo in other cases.
3. 24 hours before loading for containerised cargo on longer journeys.

Please note, some carriers may require submissions earlier, such as 24 hours before the estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the port of departure.

Implementation timeline
ICS2 is being deployed in three stages:

1.3rd June 2024: Maritime and inland waterways carriers.
2.4th December 2024: Maritime and inland waterways house-level filers.
3.1st April 2025: Road and rail carriers.

Since 4th December, Metro has been filing directly with EU customs authorities, ensuring compliance and early clearance of shipments. Non-compliance or incomplete ENS submissions can result in shipment delays, stops, and fines.

How we support your compliance

To simplify your compliance with ICS2 Phase 2, we’ve adapted our CuDoS customs brokerage platform to integrate seamlessly with the Shared Trader Interface (STI). This ensures your shipments are cleared early in the process, avoiding costly disruptions.

Our dedicated brokerage team is here to:
Guide you through ICS2 requirements.
Assist with data provision and ENS submissions.
Provide comprehensive support for import and export documentation across the EU.

Don’t let delays or penalties impact your operations. EMAIL Andy Fitchett today to learn how we can help ensure a seamless transition to ICS2 Phase 2 and keep your supply chain moving smoothly.

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2024: Reflecting on a Dynamic Year in Global Supply Chains

Dec 18, 2024 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As 2024 comes to an end, we look back at a year filled with extraordinary events that shaped the global supply chain landscape. From geopolitical challenges to shifts in logistics trends, the past year has underscored the importance of resilience, adaptability, and innovation in our industry.

Here are just a few of the major supply chain developments we covered and that defined 2024:

Houthi attacks in the Red Sea: The crisis continues, forcing vessels to divert around the southern tip of Africa, creating new delays and challenges for global trade.

Global RoRo capacity shortages: The shipping of automobiles was heavily impacted as carriers grappled with fleet reductions from the pandemic.

Labour unrest: Strikes surged 42% year-over-year, including a six-week standstill at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Port of Baltimore closure: The collision and collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge caused a three-month disruption.

eCommerce growth: Air freight demand soared on Asia-North America lanes as online shopping reached new heights.

ILA strike: A three-day US East Coast dockworker strike in October highlighted ongoing tensions over automation, with another strike looming in January 2025.

Global reefer shortages: The demand for refrigerated containers remains unmet, impacting perishable goods transport.

Political shifts: The re-election of Donald Trump signals potential changes in trade policies, with protectionism and tariffs on the horizon.

Shipping alliances: New alliances reshaped container shipping routes, including Maersk’s departure from Felixstowe.

Metro’s Highlights

2024 was also a year of achievements for Metro Shipping:

Air Freight Business of the Year: We were proud to receive this accolade at the Logistics UK Awards.

Road freight expansion: Our growing road freight division continues to support our clients’ evolving needs.

Publishing sector portfolio launch: We introduced tailored logistics solutions for the publishing industry.

Great Place to Work: Metro was officially accredited, reflecting our commitment to a positive and empowering workplace culture.

As we get ready to step into 2025, we are prepared to face challenges head-on, supporting our customers with expert insights, seamless operations, and innovative solutions.

Thank you for your trust and partnership in 2024.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a successful year ahead.

Customs declaration

November 2024; Customs and compliance update

Nov 13, 2024 | , , , , , , , ,

Our customs consultancy team provide insights on the latest changes, making it easier for you to stay on top of your planning and development needs.

To help us better support your compliance and efficiency goals, including duty/tax reclaims, we encourage you to click the button below to complete our short, five question survey. By responding, you’ll receive tailored insights and support to address any gaps or opportunities within your customs and trade processes.

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
As attention focused on the recent UK government budget, many missed the announcement about the UK’s own carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), coming into effect on 1st January 2027. This CBAM will place a carbon price on high-risk goods imported to the UK from sectors including aluminium, cement, fertiliser, hydrogen, iron, and steel. This measure aims to prevent “carbon leakage” by ensuring the UK’s decarbonisation efforts truly reduce global emissions rather than simply shifting them abroad.

Key points:
• Goods from the glass and ceramics sectors are excluded from CBAM requirements starting in 2027.
• Only businesses importing over £50,000 of CBAM goods annually will need to comply.
• Lessons from the EU’s recent CBAM rollout, which faced data challenges, may offer valuable insights as the UK implements its own system.

Safety & Security Great Britain (SSGB)
The SSGB requires an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) for all goods imported to Great Britain from the EU, effective from 31st January 2025. Responsibility for filing lies with the carrier or haulier, but as the UK importer, you hold the key data.

Here’s what you need to know:
• For accompanied freight, the origin freight forwarder or haulier is responsible for the ENS submission.
• For unaccompanied freight, the ferry line is responsible.
• Some of the required data can be found on your import customs entry, but certain details may depend on direct or indirect liability, particularly if ENS filing is requested by another party.
• A GB EORI number is essential for those needing access to the system.
• HMRC requires accurate and updated departure details before sailings, although some linking issues with GVMS remain unresolved.

Final guidance is pending, but obtaining EORI information from your suppliers will support this new requirement.

Windsor Framework
The Windsor Framework, replacing the Northern Ireland Protocol, has seen its implementation date pushed from 30th September 2024 to 31st March 2025.

This framework introduces Red and Green lanes for goods traffic and replaces the TSS (Trader Support Service) with the UKIMS (UK Internal Market Scheme). It will simplify trade, particularly for agrifoods moving into Northern Ireland, with the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (NIRMS) reducing administrative burdens for certain goods.

import control system 2 (ICS2)
As ICS2 progresses for EU surface cargo, European hauliers have voiced concerns about the challenge of gathering essential data. Metro can assist exporters by preparing data in advance from the export entry, keeping hauliers on the move.

Key details:
• Much of the required information is found on the customs entry.
• Emphasis has shifted to 6-digit commodity codes, and the EU consignee’s EORI number is now required.

Simplifying the complex
While the list of complex abbreviations and requirements continues to grow, don’t worry because our team can break down the jargon and provide clear, actionable guidance to ensure smooth customs compliance.

Client survey: Insight into your compliance needs
Please take a few moments to complete our survey. Your responses will help us understand your needs and provide solutions that enhance your compliance and streamline your processes. Thank you for your feedback!

Metro are at the forefront of customs brokerage solutions, with our automated CuDoS declaration platform and dedicated team of customs experts, reacting swiftly to any changes in the UK and EU’s trading regimes.

To learn more about compliance, CBAM, SSGB, The Windsor Framework or ICS2 – OR to see how we can simplify and automate customs declarations – please EMAIL Andy Fitchett, Brokerage Manager.

Category: Customs

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