FAQs & Resources

Navigating the intricacies of customs can be challenging. To provide you with valuable insights into the CustomsPro system and address common questions, we have compiled helpful information for your reference.

CustomsPro ENS

How do I get ready for the safety and security declaration requirements for importing goods from the EU to GB from 31st January 2025?

✳ Safety & Security entry summary declarations (ENS declarations) are submitted into an IT platform called Safety and Security Great Britain (S&S GB)

✳You can enter this information yourself or you can use a customs agent/intermediary such as ChannelPorts (using our CustomsProENS system)

✳If you choose to submit the ENS declaration yourself, you will need to register to use the S&S GB platform

✳In order to register, you will need to have a Government Gateway ID and password

✳You will also need a GB EORI number

✳The S&S GB service does not have a user interface and therefore data will need to be lodged using compatible software. We can help you here as CustomsPro ENS offers a fast, easy-to-use platform for submitting ENS declarations.

If you already submit safety and security declarations for imports from countries outside the EU (or already voluntarily submit them for EU imports), you don’t need to change your existing systems or procedures if you don’t want to.

However, you can benefit from the reduced dataset by only completing the mandatory and any relevant conditional fields from 31 January 2025.

More information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-to-make-an-entry-summary-declaration-in-great-britain

Account Set-up CustomsPro

How do I pay for using the CustomsPro system?

You are invoiced at the beginning of the month for the declarations you have made in the previous month. You will only be invoiced for the successful transactions made through CustomsPro.

CustomsPro ENS

How does Brexit affect the ENS requirements for hauliers?

Brexit has led to the introduction of the ENS requirement for goods entering the UK from the EU, which was not previously required when the UK was part of the single market. Hauliers now need to ensure compliance with these new customs procedures.

CustomsPro ENS

How does the ENS process integrate with the UK’s Single Trade Window (STW)?

The UK’s Single Trade Window (STW) is designed to integrate all customs and trade-related submissions through a single interface. ENS declarations will be submitted through the STW, streamlining the process and reducing the need for multiple submissions.

Introduction of the UK’s STW has now been delayed. Please see our news article about this.

IPAFFS Declaration Management

How long in advance should I do my IPAFFS declaration?

You must give at least 4 working hours notice before the goods arrives in the UK for ‘roll-on, roll-off’ freight. IPAFFS allows you to submit applications at least 5 days in advance.

Account Set-up Importing / Exporting

How much does it cost to process an export clearance?

As a CustomsPro customer you will be charged a single flat fee for all standard export clearances. T1 Transit documents are also free of charge if these are completed alongside the export declaration.

Account Set-up

How quickly can I start using CustomsPro?

The onboarding process typically takes 12 working hours.

Importing / Exporting

I am importing goods of animal or plant origin into the UK, do I need special clearance?

From July 2022, special checks will apply to plant and animal products, and these goods will be subject to additional phytosanitary or veterinary inspections.

These requirements include various categories of goods, from live animals and seedlings to used farm machinery and firewood. For example, a phytosanitary certificate (PC) will be required for the import of seedlings, root and tuber vegetables, non-frozen fruit, cut flowers, certain types of seeds, etc. More information can be found on the government pages on importing plant and animal products.

Importing / Exporting

I have a VAT number, do I need any other authorisations?

Yes, you will need to be EORI (Economic Operator Registration Identification) number registered. You can find the link here that will take you through that process.

Importing / Exporting

I move goods that require an ATA Carnet, where do I present the ATA Carnet?

ATA Carnets will need to be presented at an approved premise to be endorsed, you can find a list of approved premises here.

Account Set-up CustomsPro

I'm interested in learning more - what do I do next?

Complete the enquiry form and one of our team will be in touch.

Account Set-up CustomsPro ENS

I'm interested in learning more about CustomsPro ENS - what do I do next?

Please complete our enquiry form and one of our team will be in touch; enquiry form.

Importing / Exporting

I’m moving my primary residence to the UK, will I need customs clearance?

Yes and you will also need to complete an online application transfer of residence (TOR) found here before moving.

Importing / Exporting

I’m new to importing and exporting, where do I start?

There is a comprehensive guide on the HMRC website for importing and exporting.

Or simply give us a call and we can walk you through the process.

Importing / Exporting

Inward Processing Relief - what is it?

Inward Processing Relief (IPR) is a customs regime which allows goods to be imported into the UK for processing without paying Customs Duty and VAT on the initial movement.

CustomsPro

Is it possible to automate our declarations process?

Yes, you can. ChannelPorts have extensive experience in building an automatic data exchange between CustomsPro and our clients’ ERP, WM, or other management systems. Our consultants will help you to set up a plan to ensure the best possible result. Our experience shows that automation becomes highly beneficial from about 100 declarations per month. If you’d like to find out more about automation, call us on 01304 203105 or send an e-mail to enquiries@channelports.co.uk