FAQs & Resources

The ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) is a pre-arrival notification that provides customs authorities with advance information about goods being imported into the UK. It is required to assess security risks and ensure that goods comply with customs regulations before they enter the country.

Failing to submit the required ENS declaration accurately and on time could possibly lead to several serious consequences:

‼Fines: Financial penalties for non-compliance.

‼Delays: Goods may be stopped or delayed at the UK border, disrupting your supply chain.

‼Operational Inefficiency: Increased waiting times for freight vehicles, which can affect delivery schedules and operational costs.

Missing the ENS submission deadline can result in delays at the border, fines, or even refusal of entry for the goods. It is essential to submit the ENS within the required timeframe to avoid these penalties.

The ENS declaration must include details such as the consignor and consignee information, a description of the goods, the number of packages, transport details, and other specific data fields required by customs authorities.

A commodity code is a 10-digit number allocated to goods to classify goods. Every item will fall under a commodity code and this dictates the duty rating. It also informs if there are any import or export restrictions. You can find further information on actual commodity codes here.

An EORI is a unique identifier for importers and exporters in the UK issued by the EORI team at HMRC. It is needed to process import and export declarations for traders. If you do not have an EORI and want to start importing or exporting you will need to obtain an EORI as one of the first things you do. The link to do so is below.

https://www.gov.uk/eori

CustomsPro ENS is a stand-alone service that ensures compliance with the new ENS requirements while saving time and avoiding the stress of last-minute preparations. It also features many of the benefits of the standard CustomsPro product.

ENS stands for Entry Summary Declaration. It’s a pre-arrival security and safety measure required by customs authorities to analyse potential risks associated with goods entering a country. This declaration is separate from other duty and tax obligations but is equally crucial for ensuring the smooth entry of goods.What is ENS and What is Happening on 31st October?

Resources such as the UK government’s official guidelines, customs brokers, and software solutions like CustomsPro ENS can provide detailed guidance and support to ensure compliance.

An ENS declaration must be submitted for each shipment entering the UK. The timing of the submission depends on the mode of transport, with specific deadlines outlined below.

The responsibility for submitting the ENS lies with the carrier, which is the operator of the transport method used to move the goods. For example, hauliers are responsible for driver-accompanied vehicles, while ferry operators are responsible for unaccompanied trailers.

It is the trader’s legal responsibility to ensure declarations are submitted.  Failure to do so could be subject to financial civil penalties imposed on the trader by HMRC under the Customs Civil Penalty (CCP) system.

UK Importers or EU Exporters (if DDP) have to register in IPAFFS and appoint ChannelPorts as their representative to manage their pre-notification, CHED declaration and all control process with APHA and DEFRA. Appointing a UK based agent, such as ChannelPorts, is mandatory for EU exporters.

✳Fast and Easy: Complete your ENS declaration in under 2 minutes using our web-based interface.

✳Drag & Drop: Simply provide us with your documents on our digital platform to get your ENS

✳Cost-Effective: Flat fee per consignment

✳No Hidden Fees: No sign-up fees, monthly subscriptions, or contracts

✳Expertise: As with all ChannelPorts services, our specialised experts and partners are ready to advise you on any subject to ease your customs journey

The primary purpose of the ENS is to provide customs authorities with advance information about goods being imported. This helps in:

✔Risk Assessment: Identifying any potential threats or non-compliance issues before the goods arrive.

✔Efficiency: Streamlining the customs process and avoiding delays at the border.

✔Security: Enhancing the overall security of the supply chain by monitoring the movement of goods.

The ENS requirements are specific to goods entering the UK. However, if you are transporting goods between other European countries and the UK, you will need to comply with both UK and EU customs regulations.