Since January 2025, updated safety and security rules have applied to goods moving into and out of both the UK and EU. Whether you’re importing, exporting, or transiting goods through major ports like Dover or Calais, these declarations are now a key part of customs compliance.
At Zelir Logistics, we manage UK and EU safety and security declarations on your behalf, helping you meet the latest requirements and avoid costly delays. In this guide, we’ll explain what these declarations are, what’s changed, and how we help businesses stay on track.
What Does a Safety and Security Declaration Involve?
A safety and security declaration gives advance notice to customs about what’s being transported, where it’s going, and who is sending and receiving it.
Depending on your movement, you may need to submit:
- ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) – required before goods arrive in the UK or EU
- EXS (Exit Summary Declaration) – required before goods leave the UK or EU
Zelir handles both ENS and EXS declarations for clients moving goods between the UK and EU, as part of our full customs clearance services.
What Changed in January 2025?
January 2025 saw the introduction of ICS2 (Import Control System 2) in the UK, aligning safety and security procedures more closely with the EU.
The update brought:
- Expanded data requirements
- Stricter enforcement
- Coverage across more transport types, including RoRo traffic
While the rules have been live for several months, many businesses are still catching up. Zelir ensures you meet current standards, no matter which side of the border you’re shipping to.
Why Are Safety and Security Declarations Important?
Legal Requirement
Declarations are mandatory for most UK and EU movements. Missing or incorrect submissions can result in detentions or fines.
Smooth Border Crossings
A valid ENS or EXS helps customs authorities clear goods quickly, avoiding unnecessary delays.
Risk Avoidance
ICS2 and S&S GB systems flag risky shipments. Providing accurate data ensures your cargo isn’t held up or penalised.
Who Submits the Declaration?
Generally:
- ENS is submitted by the carrier or customs broker
- EXS is the responsibility of the exporter or their agent
As your customs broker, Zelir manages these on your behalf, ensuring correct submission for all UK and EU routes.
Filing Process Overview
- Gather shipment details
- Submit ENS or EXS to the relevant system (ICS2 or S&S GB)
- Customs performs risk assessment
- Goods are cleared for movement
This process is fully integrated into our import, export, and freight forwarding services, so everything moves together.
How Zelir Logistics Helps
- We handle ENS and EXS for UK and EU shipments
- We work with ICS2 and S&S GB systems daily
- We support RoRo ports like Dover and Calais
- We integrate declarations with full customs clearance and freight forwarding
Explore our dedicated Safety and Security Declaration service page to find out more.
Conclusion
Whether you’re trading within the EU or importing into the UK, the 2025 changes mean safety and security declarations are now a vital part of your supply chain. The rules may have changed, but the risks of non-compliance remain the same.
With Zelir Logistics, your ENS and EXS submissions are in expert hands. We keep your goods compliant, moving, and on schedule.
Get in touch today to ensure your UK and EU shipments meet every requirement.