06 November 2024

What you need to know about Safety and Security Entry Summary (ENS) declarations

From 31 January 2025, any goods imported from the EU to GB must be covered by a Safety and Security declaration.

Goods travelling by rail

Understand your responsibilities

For unaccompanied goods travelling by rail, the rail freight operator, who is authorised to traction the train, is responsible for lodging the declaration.

Choose how you wish to submit your declarations

You can choose to submit ENS declarations yourself, or you can use a third-party to submit them on your behalf. For more information see the GOV.UK guidance Making an entry summary declaration. If you choose to use a third party to submit your declarations, you retain responsibility for ensuring they are submitted.

Make sure you are familiar with the time limits for submitting

• For a Short Rail journey (less than 2 hours duration), you must submit at least 1 hour before arrival of the train.
• For a Long rail journey (more than 2 hours duration), you must submit at least 2 hours before arrival of the train.

You must ensure the information you provide is accurate and timely

S&S data has the mutual benefit of being critical to border security, as well as ensuring the correct risk assessments, which reduces the potential of legitimate goods being stopped for checks. HMG will monitor compliance with these requirements, and where non-compliance is in evidence we will engage with the Haulier/ Carrier to address any issues. Where enforcement action is required, this could involve goods being delayed at the border for further checks, or penalties.

For more information on safety and security requirements please visit GOV.UK.