From 31 January 2025, all EU imports into Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) will require a Safety & Security (S&S) declaration before arrival. If you trade with the EU, it’s crucial to understand what this change means for your business and how to comply.
Why are Safety & Security Declarations Required?
S&S declarations play a key role in ensuring the safety of goods entering Great Britain by helping prevent illicit goods, such as drugs and weapons, from crossing the border. These declarations have long been required for imports from outside the EU, and now the same rules will apply to EU-to-GB imports.
Who is Responsible for Submitting S&S Declarations?
Carriers or hauliers are legally responsible for submitting S&S declarations.
Importers may be asked by their carrier, haulier, or a third party to provide additional details to complete the declaration.
Businesses should engage with their hauliers or logistics providers now to clarify responsibilities and ensure compliance.
How to Submit Safety & Security Declarations
For most businesses, your carrier or haulier will be responsible for submitting S&S declarations.
However, if you have agreed to handle the declarations yourself (or use a third party on behalf of your carrier), you will need to submit them through S&S GB, the UK government’s system for processing entry summary declarations.
Use in-house software (if your business develops its own solutions).
Purchase compatible software from a third-party provider.
Use a customs agent or Community System Provider (CSP) to handle declarations on your behalf.
To submit declarations yourself, you will need:
A Government Gateway account
A GB EORI number
A method to file declarations via S&S GB (no web interface is available).
🔎 Read the guidance on: How to submit declarations
What Information is Required?
HMRC has simplified the S&S GB dataset, reducing the number of fields required.
🔎 See the full list of required fields: S&S GB reduced dataset
What Happens if You Don’t Submit an S&S Declaration?
Failure to submit an S&S declaration from 31 January 2025 could result in:
❌ Financial penalties for non-compliance.
❌ Delays and customs holds on shipments, leading to disruptions in supply chains.
Next Steps for Importers
✅ Confirm responsibilities – Speak with your carrier or logistics provider to ensure S&S declarations are handled correctly.
✅ Gather required data – Ensure you can provide all necessary shipment details.
✅ Consider using a customs agent if you do not have in-house capabilities.
✅ Test the system early – HMRC encourages businesses to begin submitting declarations before 31 January 2025.
Further Information
For full details on Safety & Security requirements, visit:
📌 GOV.UK Guidance: Preparing for the new safety & security declaration requirements
📌 GOV.UK Guidance: Safety and security requirements on imports and exports