What's Changing with Safety and Security Declarations After 31 October 2024?

As of 31 October 2024, significant changes will impact the logistics of importing goods from the European Union (EU) into the United Kingdom (UK). With the conclusion of the post-Brexit transition period, businesses will be required to submit Safety and Security (S&S) Declarations for all imports from the EU into the UK. This regulatory shift marks the final phase of the UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), aimed at enhancing border security and aligning UK customs practices with international standards.

The removal of the current waiver on S&S declarations, which has been in place since the UK left the EU, means businesses must now prepare to meet these new customs requirements. Failing to comply with the updated procedures could result in delays, fines, and other logistical challenges. In this article, we’ll explore the changes and provide practical guidance on how to ensure your business is ready—with a special focus on how TradePhlo's Customs Declaration Software can simplify compliance.

Why Are These Changes Happening?

Great Britain is now no longer part of a safety and security zone with the EU — the UK left the EU on 31 January 2020 and the transition period ended on 31 December 2020.

This requirement is a key step toward securing the UK’s borders, ensuring the government can identify and manage potential threats or risks associated with goods entering the country. The introduction of S&S declarations for EU imports aligns the UK with international standards that are already in place for non-EU imports.

Key Changes to Safety and Security Declarations

The mandatory S&S declarations for EU imports will introduce a range of new responsibilities for businesses. Let’s break down the key changes that will come into effect on 31 October 2024:

1. Introduction of Safety and Security (S&S) Declarations for EU Imports:

   • All goods entering the UK from the EU will require an S&S declaration. This additional layer of paperwork is designed to provide UK border authorities with crucial data about the nature of the goods, their origins, and their transport routes.

   • The S&S declaration includes detailed information on the goods being imported, such as commodity codes, descriptions, transportation modes, and information about the parties involved in the transaction.

1. Who Is Responsible for Submitting S&S Declarations?

   • The carrier of the goods is primarily responsible for submitting the S&S declarations. This includes ferry operators, airlines, and hauliers, depending on the mode of transport.

   • In the case of roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) goods, where vehicles are driven onto ferries, the responsibility typically falls on the haulier. For unaccompanied trailers, the ferry operator is responsible, though many ferry operators delegate this responsibility back to the hauliers.

   • For goods arriving by air or sea, the carrier responsible for transporting the goods into the UK (i.e., the airline or shipping company) must submit the declaration.

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2. What Information Is Required for S&S Declarations? 

   Businesses will need to provide a range of data in the S&S declaration. Here’s a summary of the key details required:

   • Goods Information: Descriptions, commodity codes, quantities, packaging details, and the total value of the shipment.

   • Parties Involved: Information about the consignor (shipper), consignee (receiver), carrier, and any agents involved.

   • Transportation Details: Vessel, container, vehicle registration, route, and the estimated time of arrival (ETA).

   • Identification Numbers: EORI numbers (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) for relevant parties, IMO (International Maritime Organization) numbers for vessels, and other transport-related reference numbers like the bill of lading or air waybill.

   • Port of Entry Information: Relevant port codes or location codes to identify where the goods will enter the UK.

3. Deadlines for Submitting S&S Declarations: The deadlines for submitting S&S declarations depend on the mode of transport:

   • Maritime and Air Transport: Declarations must be submitted at least 2 hours before the goods arrive at the UK border.

   • Rail Transport: Declarations must be submitted at least 4 hours before the goods arrive.

   • Road Transport: Declarations must be submitted at least 1 hour before arrival at the border.

     
     

It's important to note that amendments to the declaration can be made before the goods arrive at the UK border. However, changes to the identity of the person lodging the declaration or their representative are not permitted once the declaration has been filed.

1. Special Considerations for RoRo Goods: 

   For businesses using roll-on/roll-off routes, such as Eurotunnel or ferries, the specific responsibilities for submitting the S&S declarations depend on whether the goods are accompanied by a driver. Hauliers are responsible for declarations for accompanied goods, while ferry operators handle unaccompanied trailers unless otherwise agreed.

   
   

How TradePhlo Can Help Simplify the Process

With the increased complexity of post-Brexit customs regulations, businesses may feel overwhelmed by the added administrative burden of submitting S&S declarations. This is where TradePhlo's Customs Declaration Software comes in, offering a solution designed to streamline the entire process.

Here’s how TradePhlo can help:

1. Automated Data Entry and Extraction: TradePhlo’s software can automate much of the data entry process, significantly reducing the risk of human error. The platform is equipped to handle all the necessary data points required for S&S declarations, from commodity codes to transportation details. By automating this process, businesses can save time and ensure accuracy.

2. Seamless Integration with UK and EU Systems: TradePhlo is designed to integrate seamlessly with both UK and EU customs systems. Whether you’re importing into Great Britain or Northern Ireland, the software simplifies the submission process by ensuring that the correct data is submitted to the right authorities, eliminating the need to manually navigate different systems.

3. Customs Warehousing and Compliance Support: In addition to handling S&S declarations, TradePhlo also offers customs warehousing solutions. If your business requires storage of goods while customs clearance is in progress, TradePhlo can help manage the compliance and documentation needed for customs warehousing, ensuring you stay compliant with all relevant regulations.

4. Real-Time Updates and Compliance Monitoring: TradePhlo keeps you updated on the status of your declarations in real-time, providing notifications and alerts if any issues arise. This helps businesses avoid costly delays at the border and ensures that declarations are submitted within the required timeframes.

5. Virtual Customs Assistant Powered by AI: For businesses that require additional support, TradePhlo’s integrated ChatGPT Virtual Customs Assistant can provide immediate answers to common customs-related queries. This feature can be a valuable tool for logistics teams who need quick guidance on customs regulations, reducing the need to rely on external customs agents.

   
   

Preparing for the Change

If your business is involved in importing goods from the EU, it's crucial to take steps to ensure compliance with the new S&S declaration requirements. Here are some tips for preparation:

1. Register for the Safety and Security GB Service: If your business imports goods into Great Britain, you’ll need to register for the Safety and Security Great Britain (S&S GB) service. Registration can be completed through the UK Government’s portal using a Government Gateway ID.

For goods moving through Northern Ireland, you’ll need to register for the Entry Summary Declaration Northern Ireland service.

1. Ensure You Have the Required Data: Ensure that your business is collecting all the necessary information for the S&S declarations, including accurate descriptions of the goods, identification numbers, and transport details. Maintaining clear communication with carriers and suppliers is essential to ensure that all required data is collected and submitted on time.

2. Utilize TradePhlo's Customs Declaration Software: Consider using TradePhlo to automate the submission process, reduce errors, and ensure that declarations are submitted on time. The software is designed to handle complex customs processes, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business operations.

3. Train Your Logistics Team: Make sure your team is aware of the new requirements and is trained in submitting S&S declarations. This is especially important for hauliers and logistics teams responsible for ensuring that the correct data is submitted on time.