How to Prepare for the Safety & Security GB Requirement
If you’re a haulier transporting goods into the UK, there are significant changes on the horizon that you need to be aware of. Starting from 31st October 2024, new legislation will require all hauliers entering the UK to submit an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) as part of the broader Safety & Security GB requirements. This change is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of goods entering the country, but it also means that hauliers need to prepare now to avoid disruptions to their operations.
What is the ENS and Why Does it Matter?
The Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) is a mandatory document that provides UK customs authorities with advance information about goods being imported. This pre-arrival declaration is part of the Safety & Security GB measures aimed at identifying and mitigating potential risks before goods reach the UK border.
For hauliers, this means that no freight vehicle—whether loaded with goods, carrying low-value shipments, or even empty—will be allowed to enter the UK without submitting an ENS. Failure to comply with this requirement could lead to severe penalties, including fines and delays at the border, which can disrupt delivery schedules and affect your bottom line.
Preparing for the 31st October Deadline
The key to avoiding these potential pitfalls is to start preparing well in advance of the 31st October 2024 deadline. Here’s how you can ensure that your organisation is ready for the new Safety & Security GB requirement:
1. Understand the Requirements:
▪ Familiarise yourself with what an ENS involves. You’ll need to provide detailed information about the goods you’re transporting, including quantity, type, transport mode, and packaging details. Even empty freight vehicles or those carrying low-value shipments will require an ENS.
▪The declaration must be accurate and submitted before your freight vehicle arrives at the UK border. Missing or incorrect information could lead to delays or fines.
2. Evaluate Your Current Processes:
▪ Review your current customs procedures to identify any gaps that might make it difficult to comply with the new ENS requirements.
▪ Consider whether your current systems are capable of handling the additional workload and complexity that ENS submissions will entail.
3. Seek Out Reliable Solutions Early:
▪ Don’t wait until the last minute to find a solution. Look for a reliable ENS submission tool that can integrate seamlessly into your existing processes. Ideally, you want a system that is fast, easy to use, and reliable, allowing you to complete ENS declarations quickly without errors.
▪ Ensure that the solution you choose can handle high volumes of submissions, particularly if you operate multiple crossings into the UK each year.
4. Test and Train:
▪ Once you’ve identified a suitable ENS solution, test it thoroughly before the deadline. Make sure your staff are trained on how to use the system and understand the importance of accurate and timely submissions.
▪ Conduct dry runs to ensure that your systems work smoothly and that any issues are identified and resolved well before the new regulations come into effect.
What to Look for in an ENS Solution
When searching for the right ENS solution, consider the following:
- ✳Speed and Ease of Use: The system should allow you to complete ENS declarations in just a few minutes, with an intuitive interface that minimises errors.
- ✳Reliability: Look for a solution that has a proven track record and offers reliable support, so you can be confident that your submissions will be processed without issues.
- ✳Integration: If you’re already using a customs tool for UK imports, it’s beneficial to choose a solution that integrates seamlessly with your existing system.
- ✳Cost-Effectiveness: Consider whether the solution offers value for money, with no hidden fees or unnecessary complexities.
Introducing CustomsPro ENS
To help hauliers prepare for the new Safety & Security GB requirements, ChannelPorts offers CustomsPro ENS, a comprehensive solution designed to simplify the ENS submission process.
- 🚛For Existing Customers: If you’re already using the CustomsPro tool for UK imports, you’ll be pleased to know that CustomsPro ENS is integrated within the existing product, available at no extra charge. This means you can manage your ENS declarations alongside your other customs processes, all in one place.
- 🚛For New Customers: If you’re not currently using ChannelPorts services, CustomsPro ENS is also available as a standalone product. This option is perfect for hauliers looking for a reliable, easy-to-use solution to meet the new ENS requirements, without the need to subscribe to other services.
Our platform is designed to be fast, efficient, mobile and user-friendly, helping you to stay compliant and keep your freight vehicles moving.
Get Prepared Today
The 31st October 2024 deadline may seem far off, but it’s crucial to start preparing now. By understanding the ENS requirements and finding a reliable solution like CustomsPro ENS, you can ensure that your operations continue to run smoothly without disruptions. Don’t leave it to the last minute—get ready today and ensure that your business is fully compliant with the new Safety & Security GB regulations.
For more information about CustomsPro ENS and how it can help you prepare, visit www.channelports.co.uk or contact our team today.