Since 31 January 2025, new rules have come into force: all goods imported into Great Britain (GB)—including those from the EU—must be accompanied by a Safety & Security declaration, officially termed an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS).
This essential change removes previous waivers for EU shipments and applies the same high standards across the board for imports—ensuring GB maintains robust border security while streamlining the flow of legitimate trade.
Why These Declarations Matter
Safety & Security declarations are pre‑arrival notifications providing HMRC and Border Force with vital data about incoming shipments, enabling effective risk assessment—such as intercepting illicit goods or identifying high‑risk cargo before it even arrives in the country.
What’s in a Declaration?
HMRC has simplified the declaration process:
– 20 mandatory fields (e.g., consignor/consignee details, goods description, transport mode, gross mass)
– 8 conditional fields, required under specific circumstances (e.g., shipments by fast parcel operators)
– 9 optional fields, which can be completed as needed.
Who Must Submit It—and How
Legally, the carrier or haulier transporting the goods is responsible for submitting S&S declarations. This can be done themselves or delegated to a third party—such as an importer or intermediary—with the carrier retaining overall liability for accuracy and timeliness.
To file the declaration, the S&S GB IT platform is used. There’s no user interface—instead you must either:
– Develop compatible software in-house,
– Purchase specialist software from an approved provider, or
– Engage a Community System Provider (CSP) to submit on your behalf.
Registration requires:
– A Government Gateway account, and
– A GB‑EORI number.
Submission Timings & Corrections
You must submit your Safety & Security declaration before your goods arrive in GB. You can even submit up to 200 days in advance.
If anything changes after submission—such as the mode of transport or time of arrival—you can amend the declaration up until customs clearance. Full cancellations are not necessary; if goods don’t move, the declaration simply becomes void.
How Zelir Elevates the Process — Your Compliance Made Simple
Navigating S&S GB requirements can seem overwhelming, but that’s where Zelir steps in—combining technical expertise, practical compliance support, and seamless execution.
Comprehensive, Tailored Guidance
We break down the 20 mandatory fields, helping you gather key data such as:
– Local Reference Number (LRN)
– Consignor and consignee details
– Place, time, mode of transport, goods description, gross mass, and more
We make sure you only add conditional or optional fields when they truly apply, ensuring a lean, efficient declaration.
Flexible Digital Solutions
Whether your team opts to build in-house software, purchase an external solution, or rely on a CSP, Zelir will guide you:
1. We help you select the right software or CSP partner.
2. Assist with Government Gateway registration and GB‑EORI setup.
3. Provide step‑by‑step support in submitting declarations accurately and on time.
Carrier & Intermediary Support
If your carrier prefers, Zelir can act on their behalf—with their knowledge and consent—to submit your S&S GB declarations, while they retain legal responsibility. That means peace of mind and full compliance, without placing extra burden on your team.
Proactive Compliance
We encourage early adoption of S&S GB submissions well ahead of January 2025 to iron out issues, prepare documents, and fine‑tune our process—minimising risk of delays or penalties.
The Zelir Advantage at a Glance
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Expert Data Validation | Ensuring all mandatory, conditional, and optional fields are correct and compliant. |
| Tech Setup & Filing | Supporting registration, software selection, or CSP integration for seamless digital submissions. |
| Amendments Managed | We handle updates if details change pre‑customs clearance. |
| Regulatory Accuracy | Always aligned with HMRC and Border Force requirements, including legislative updates. |
| Reduced Penalties Risk | Early prep, precise filing, and continuous monitoring help avoid disruption and fines. |
In Summary
Safety & Security GB (S&S GB) declarations are now a legal necessity for all goods entering Great Britain—regardless of origin. These declarations form a critical security checkpoint, enabling HMRC and Border Force to assess risk for border integrity.
At Zelir, we understand both the legal landscape and the operational challenges, and we offer practical, turnkey solutions tailored to exporters, carriers, and importers alike. From data capture to digital submission, amendments to compliance assurance, Zelir makes S&S GB simple, secure, and stress-free.
Let Zelir be your trusted partner for Safety & Security GB — ensuring not only compliance, but the smooth continuation of your cross‑border trade.