FAQs & Resources
Yes, you can delegate ENS submission to a customs broker or another party in your supply chain. However, the carrier remains legally responsible for ensuring the declaration is accurate and submitted on time.
Common mistakes include missing submission deadlines, incomplete or incorrect information, and failing to amend the ENS when necessary. Using an automated system like CustomsPro ENS can help avoid these issues.
Accuracy and completeness are critical for avoiding delays and penalties. Double-check all information before submission and use reliable software like CustomsPro ENS to minimize errors.
The ENS requirements apply to both accompanied and unaccompanied goods, but the responsibility for submission may differ (e.g., hauliers for accompanied vehicles, ferry operators for unaccompanied trailers).
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.
Costs vary depending on the provider and the level of service required. CustomsPro ENS offers a fixed fee solution with no hidden costs, making it a cost-effective option for hauliers.
CustomsPro ENS offers a fast, easy-to-use platform for submitting ENS declarations. It reduces the risk of errors, ensures timely submissions, and integrates seamlessly with existing customs processes.
Yes, even empty freight vehicles and low-value shipments require an ENS declaration. The goal is to ensure all goods and vehicles entering the UK are accounted for in terms of security and compliance.
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.
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.
While there are various platforms available, CustomsPro ENS is a recommended solution that simplifies the ENS submission process, ensuring fast, accurate, and compliant declarations.
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.
Yes, amendments can be made to an ENS declaration, but only by the person or entity that lodged the original ENS. Amendments can be made up until the goods arrive at the first point of entry, but frequent or last-minute changes may trigger additional risk assessments.
Penalties for non-compliance can include financial fines, delays in processing and clearance, and in some cases, the goods may be denied entry into the UK or returned to the point of origin.
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.
Yes, the deadlines vary:
✈Air freight: Short-haul flights – by take-off; long-haul flights – at least 4 hours before arrival.
🚢Sea freight: Container shipments – at least 24 hours before loading; conventional shipments – at least 4 hours before arrival; short sea journeys – at least 2 hours before arrival.
🚛Road freight: At least 1 hour before arrival.
🚊Rail freight: At least 2 hours before arrival.
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 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.
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.
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.
Please complete our enquiry form and one of our team will be in touch.
✳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
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.
CustomsPro has been upgraded to include ENS compliance within the standard UK import product, in addition to the usual benefits and at no additional cost. CustomsPro offers a comprehensive solution:
✅Compatibility: Works at all UK RoRo ports.
✅Integrated Services: Includes Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) application as well as ENS compliance.
✅Cost-Effective: Flat fee per consignment, irrespective of the number of HS codes, including ENS documentation and compliance.
✅No Hidden Fees: No sign-up fees, monthly subscriptions, or contracts.
✅Expert Support: Benefit from specialised Brexit advice and support from our team with over 50 years of cross channel customs clearance experience.
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.
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.
From 31st October 2024, the UK government will strictly enforce the requirement for an ENS declaration for all freight vehicles entering the UK. This includes:
▪Freight Details: Quantity, transport mode, type of goods, materials, etc.
▪Empty Trucks: Even empty trucks, packaging, and bundling require documentation.
▪Accuracy: The Entry Summary declaration must be complete and accurate.
▪Submission: Declarations must be submitted before arriving at the border. Missing or incorrect declarations could result in fines and potential delays.
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?
Useful links
External Link
BIFA Standard Trading Conditions (2021)External Link
CustomsPro API DocumentExternal Link
CustomsPro API Document (ENS Safety & Security)Download
Direct Rep FormDownload
Joint Direct Rep Form