Obligations for security declarations on entry into the UK from 31 January 2025
As of 31 January 2025, all imports from the European Union (EU) to Great Britain (GB) will have to be accompanied by a Safety & Security (S&S) declaration. This measure marks the end of the temporary derogation that had exempted imports from the EU from this requirement since the UK's exit from the EU.
Who is affected by the new rules?
- Conveyors and carriers: They are legally responsible for submitting P&S declarations. It is possible to delegate this activity to a third party, but the legal responsibility remains with the carrier.
- Customs agents and brokers: They may submit declarations on behalf of carriers by agreement between the parties.
- Importers: They must work with their suppliers and transporters to ensure that all the required information is available for the compilation of declarations.
How to prepare for the new rules
To facilitate the transition, companies are invited to:
- Informing your supply chain regarding the new obligations.
- Establish who will be responsible for compiling P&S declarations.
- Choose the mode of submission of declarations:
- Purchase of compatible software.
- Sin-house development of a dedicated computer system.
- Using the services of a Community System Provider).
Declarations are not based on paper forms, but have to be uploaded via the S&S GB digital platform. Companies must register and enable this service before the deadline.
Why H&S declarations are mandatory?
The introduction of security declarations aims at:
- Improving border control, identifying high-risk trafficking.
- Collecting pre-arrival data to facilitate legitimate trade and prevent smuggling.
- Although this may be a burden for some companies, these measures are essential to ensure safety and comply with international standards.
Consequences of non-compliance
From 31 January 2025, anyone importing goods into the UK without a P&S declaration will be subject to penalties. However, the government will take a collaborative approach to help companies comply with the new rules.
Resources and support
The UK government has published a series of online resources to help businesses prepare:
Companies that wish to start submitting declarations before the deadline are encouraged to do so to test the systems and familiarise themselves with the process.
