ENS Declaration (Safety & Security) from 31 January 2025 – guide for carriers

From 31 January 2025 The United Kingdom introduces the obligation to submit ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) for all goods shipments entering UK territory. This is the next stage of implementation Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) – the new post-Brexit border control system.

For carriers, freight forwarders and companies exporting to the UK, this means an additional formal requirement that must be met before entering UK territory. Failure to submit ENS may result in transport being held at the border and heavy fines.

This article explains what an ENS declaration is, who must submit it, what data is required, and how to avoid problems at the border.

Issue: New formal requirement at the UK border

Why is ENS now mandatory?

ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) is a safety declaration that allows HMRC and Border Force to carry out risk analysis before goods physically enter the UK.

The ENS system has operated in the EU for many years (for shipments from outside the EU). After Brexit, the UK implemented its own ENS system, which became mandatory from 31 January 2025.

ENS purpose: - Identification of high-risk shipments (terrorism, smuggling, dangerous goods). - Enabling customs authorities to conduct inspections before goods entry. - Accelerating customs clearance for low-risk shipments. Practical issue: Failure to submit ENS means: - Transport detention at the border (port, tunnel, ferry). - Financial penalties for the carrier (up to £2,500 per shipment). - Delivery delays and additional logistics costs.

What is an ENS declaration?

Definition

ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) is an electronic safety declaration containing basic information about the shipment, sender, recipient and goods. It must be submitted before the goods enter the UK.

If you need to close ENS operationally for a live movement, see our ENS/SSD support page.

ENS does not replace the customs declaration (import declaration). It is an additional security requirement.

Difference between ENS and customs declaration

| Feature | ENS (Entry Summary) | Customs declaration (Import Declaration) | |---|---|---| | Purpose | Security and risk analysis | Customs and VAT calculation | | When is it submitted? | Before entering UK territory | At customs clearance | | Who submits? | Carrier or customs agent | Importer or customs agent | | Required data | Basic (sender, recipient, goods description) | Detailed (CN code, value, origin) |

Who must submit an ENS declaration?

Responsibility for ENS

According to UK regulations, the ENS declaration must be submitted by: 1. Carrier (carrier) – transport company delivering goods to the UK. 2. Customs agent – if the carrier has authorised an agent to submit ENS on their behalf.

Important: The responsibility for submitting the ENS lies with the carrier, even if the exporter or importer has not provided all data. However, the carrier may refuse to accept the shipment if the sender does not provide the required information.

Who provides data for ENS?

Data for the ENS declaration must be provided by: - Exporter (sender) – data about the goods, value, recipient. - Importer (recipient) – EORI number GB, delivery address. - Carrier – transport data (vehicle registration number, route).

What data is required in the ENS declaration?

Basic elements of ENS

The ENS declaration must include:

1. Sender's data (exporter): - Company name. - Address. - EORI number (if applicable).

2. Recipient (importer) data: - Company name. - Delivery address in the UK. - EORI GB number (mandatory).

3. Carrier data: - Transport company name. - Vehicle registration number. - Route (port/tunnel entry to the UK).

4. Goods data: - Description of goods (general, e.g. "wooden furniture"). - Number of pieces/packages. - Gross weight. - Value (in GBP or EUR).

5. Shipment reference number: - CMR number, order number or other identifier.

Important: ENS does not require a detailed CN code (customs tariff) – a general description of the goods is sufficient. Detailed data is required only in the customs declaration.

How to submit an ENS declaration?

GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service) system

In the UK, the ENS declaration is usually submitted through GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service). GVMS links ENS with other border documents and generates a GMR number (Goods Movement Reference).

Step-by-step process:

1. Carrier or customs agent logs into the GVMS system. 2. Enters shipment data (sender, recipient, goods). 3. The system generates GMR number (e.g. `GMR-2025-123456`). 4. The carrier provides the GMR number to the driver. 5. The driver presents the GMR number at the border (port, tunnel). 6. The GVMS system automatically verifies if ENS has been submitted.

Important: The GMR number is required to enter the UK. Without a GMR, the vehicle will not be allowed onto the ferry/tunnel.

Alternative: ENS submission by customs agent

If the carrier does not have access to GVMS, they may authorise a customs agent such as easyclearance.pl to submit ENS on their behalf. The customs agent: - Collects data from exporter and importer. - Submits ENS in the GVMS system. - Generates GMR number and provides it to the carrier.

When should ENS be submitted?

ENS submission deadlines

The ENS declaration must be submitted before the goods enter within UK territory. Exact deadlines depend on the mode of transport:

| Mode of transport | ENS submission deadline | |---|---| | Road transport (TIR, lorry) | Before boarding ferry/tunnel | | Sea transport (container) | Minimum 24 hours before loading at EU port | | Air transport | Minimum 4 hours before arrival in the UK | | Rail transport | Before crossing the UK border |

Important: If ENS is not submitted on time, the shipment may be held at the border.

Penalties for missing ENS

Sanctions for carriers

Lack of ENS declaration or submission of ENS with incorrect data may result in:

1. Vehicle detention at the border – the vehicle will not be allowed into the UK. 2. Financial penalty – to £2,500 per shipment. 3. Parking fees – port/tunnel parking fees. 4. Loss of ferry/tunnel slot – requirement to book a new appointment.

Example: The carrier transports 10 pallets of furniture from Poland to the UK. ENS was not submitted before boarding the ferry. The vehicle is stopped in Dover. Penalty: £2,500 + £500 parking fee + loss of ferry slot (additional 24 hours delay).

Exporter’s responsibility

Although formally the responsibility for ENS lies with the carrier, the exporter may face consequences: - Delivery delays – dissatisfied customer in the UK. - Additional costs – the carrier may charge the exporter for penalties and demurrage. - Loss of reputation – problems with future deliveries.

How to avoid problems with ENS?

For exporters

1. Provide complete data to the carrier: - Recipient data (name, address, EORI GB). - Goods description, weight, value. - Shipment reference number (CMR, order).

2. Ensure the carrier is aware of the ENS requirement: - Ask the carrier if they submit ENS independently or need customs agent support.

3. Cooperate with a customs agent: - If the carrier does not have access to GVMS, instruct a customs agent to submit the ENS.

For carriers

1. Register in the GVMS system: - Go to gov.uk/guidance/register-for-the-goods-vehicle-movement-service, create an account and obtain access to the system.

2. Collect data from senders: - Require exporters to provide all ENS data before loading.

3. Generate GMR before departure: - Do not wait until the last moment – submit ENS and generate GMR before leaving Poland.

4. Provide the GMR to the driver: - The driver must have the GMR number in electronic or printed form.

How can easyclearance.pl assist?

Submitting ENS on behalf of the carrier

If the carrier does not have access to the GVMS system, we can submit the ENS on their behalf. Our team: - Collects data from exporter and importer. - Submits ENS in the GVMS system. - Generates the GMR number and provides it to the carrier.

Coordination with exporters and importers

We assist in coordination between exporter (Poland), carrier and importer (UK), ensuring all data is delivered on time.

Support in case of border detention

If a shipment is stopped at the border due to missing ENS, our team can: - Submit ENS retrospectively (if possible). - Contact Border Force to clarify the situation. - Assist in preparing documentation for penalty appeals.

Distinction: easyclearance.pl is a customs agency based in the UK. We directly handle clearances in Great Britain, including submitting ENS declarations. If your shipment requires customs clearance in Poland or another EU country, we coordinate the process through our network of licensed local partners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is ENS required for every shipment?

Yes. From 31 January 2025, ENS is required for all goods shipments entering the UK, regardless of value.

Does ENS replace the customs declaration?

No. ENS is a security declaration that must be submitted before entry into the UK. A separate customs declaration (import declaration) is still required for clearance.

Can I submit ENS myself?

Yes, if you have access to the GVMS system. Alternatively, you can commission an ENS submission through a customs agent.

What happens if I submit ENS with incorrect data?

If the data in the ENS is inaccurate, the shipment may be held for inspection. You can correct the ENS before entering UK territory.

Does ENS also apply to passenger transport?

No. ENS applies only to goods shipments. Passenger transport (cars without commercial goods) does not require ENS.

Summary

From 31 January 2025, an ENS declaration is mandatory for all shipments to the UK. Key rules:

1. ENS must be submitted before entry into the UK. 2. Responsibility for ENS lies with the carrier, but requires cooperation between exporter and importer. 3. Missing ENS can lead to penalties of up to £2,500 and vehicle detention. 4. The GVMS system generates the GMR number, which is required for entry into the UK.

Need help with ENS?

If you transport goods to the UK and need support with submitting the ENS declaration, contact easyclearance.pl. We will assist in preparing documentation and generating the GMR number.

easyclearance.pl is a customs agency based in the United Kingdom. We directly handle clearances in the UK, including submitting ENS declarations. Customs clearances within the EU are carried out in cooperation with our network of licensed local partners. Contact us →

What the current official guidance means in practice

For operational work, the current procedural rules, declaration fields and relief conditions should be checked directly against the official guidance. For this topic, the core reference points are GOV.UK / HMRC.

Official sources

• UK GOV (Safety and Security declarations) — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-03-04
• UK GOV (Get a GMR) — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-03-04
• GOV.UK: Goods Vehicle Movement Service — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-03-04
• GOV.UK: moving goods between Great Britain and the EU — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-03-04