Safety & Security Declarations GB: Post-Brexit Compliance Challenge
Starting 31 January 2025, safety and security (S&S) declarations will become mandatory for EU imports to the UK, requiring businesses to submit additional information about their goods to UK customs. This is part of the final phase of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).
As of January 31, 2025, EU imports to the UK will be subject to mandatory safety and security declarations. Businesses must provide additional details about their goods to UK customs as part of the BTOM’s final phase.
Starting on January 31, 2025, EU imports into the UK will require safety and security declarations. As part of the BTOM’s last stage, companies will need to give UK customs more information about their products.
Understanding Safety & Security Declarations GB (S&S GB)
After Brexit, when the UK departed from the EU, there was a need for new regulatory requirements for the cross-border movement of goods in the GB. One such system is the Safety & Security GB, also named S&S GB, which is similar to the Import Control System (ICS) of the EU.
S&S GB is designed to manage safety and security risks associated with importing and exporting goods, ensuring that the UK is safe from threats like illegal goods or harmful items.
While the Safety & Security GB is similar to the EU’s Import Control System, there are some notable differences.
S&S GB only focuses on pre-arrival filings, while ICS includes both pre-arrival and pre-loading filings.
Opposed to ICS, S&S GB doesn’t require HS codes and the Request for Information (RFI) process.
S&S GB and BTOM
The Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) released new border control approaches in the UK after Brexit to protect against potential risks. It introduced Safety & Security Declarations for GB imports and exports; it requires Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) for all the goods entering the GB and Exit Summary Declaration (EXS) for goods moving out of the GB.
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Who is affected by Safety & Security Declarations?
The introduction of the S&S GB system will have widespread effects on many stakeholders involved in trading. It includes:
Hauliers
Hauliers moving goods into GB from the EU by road need to comply with the S&S GB requirements, which can be challenging for them, especially if they lack the necessary data to lodge the filing.
Air carriers
Air carriers based in the EU that ship to the GB will need to modify their processes to comply with the S&S GB regulations. To fulfil these requirements, those who have not previously shipped goods to the UK from outside the EU might need to create new systems or collaborate with service providers.
Freight forwarders
Shipping or transportation companies that are responsible for moving goods from the EU to the UK must meet S&S GB requirements and submit it on time.
Short sea maritime carriers
The operators of the short sea maritime carriers must make sure they are fully compliant with the S&S declaration requirements. They may need to make changes to their current system to be compliant.
What are the challenges of S&S GB compliance?
The shifting to the S&S declaration presents many challenges to the businesses involved in transportation of goods into the UK from the EU.
System preparedness
Not all hauliers, carriers, and other parties have a system in place to lodge Safety & Security Declarations for GB. They may need to upgrade their current system or implement a new one, which could be time-consuming and expensive, particularly for businesses with limited resources.
Availability of data
Another key challenge is ensuring the availability and accuracy of the necessary data for S&S GB declaration. Some sea carriers or hauliers may find it challenging to obtain cargo information required for this declaration, mainly if they are novices in dealing with such requirements.
Regulatory knowledge
The post-Brexit regulatory landscape is constantly evolving, requiring businesses to stay up to date. Staying compliant becomes challenging, especially for businesses dealing with multiple markets with varying rules and regulations.
Integration
Integrating S&S GB into the existing system can be complicated, especially for companies already handling multiple regulatory and customs processes.
S&S GB declarations requirement
The importers must submit the following information for S&S GB declaration:
Good information
Goods description
Quantity
Value
Packaging
Commodity code
Transportation information
Vehicle details
Route
Estimated arrival date and time
Mode of transport
Parties information
Consignee
Consignor
Carrier
Agent
Identification numbers
EORI number
IMO vessel number
Vehicle registration number
Transportation document number
Safety & Security Declaration submission
The carriers of the goods from EU to GB or RoW to GB are responsible for submitting Safety & Security Declarations using this S&S GB service. You will need to use your Government Gateway user account ID and password.
The bottom line
The introduction of Safety & Security Declarations GB (S&S GB) represents a major change in the trade environment in the United Kingdom. Businesses need to get ready early to meet the January 31, 2025, deadline in order to comply with these new regulations.
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