S&S GB requirements will come into effect from the end of January 2025. The person/entity responsible for meeting these requirements is the carrier.
In this article, we’ll answer your questions about S&S GB:
- Who is the carrier?
- What information do you need to submit your GB ENS?
- Creating and submitting the GB ENS
- Single vs. multiple consignments
- When is a GB ENS required?
For information about what S&S GB is and why the new safety regulation is being introduced, please see our introductory guide here.
Who is the carrier?
The carrier is the owner of the active means of transport as goods reach the border.
In the case of the UK, the ferry operator is considered the carrier for unaccompanied freight. The ferry operator will look through their terms and conditions and try to downstream this where possible.
Meanwhile, the haulier is considered the carrier for accompanied freight.
However, on the North Sea we know that the ferry operator will offer completing the ENS for both unaccompanied and accompanied freight.
What is required for S&S GB?
- Consignor name & address (EORI number, if held)
- Consignee name & address (EORI number, if held)
- Carrier GB EORI number (for driver accompanied vehicles)
- Description of goods
- Reference number
- Vehicle Identification Number (accompanied), IMO (unaccompanied)
- Trailer seal (or ‘no seal’)
- Border entry point (HMRC location code - e.g. GB000060)
- ETA time and date
- Total no. of packages and weight
- Type of packages
- Any marks and reference numbers
Disclaimer - this is the legislative requirements as currently stated by HMRC. However, these could be subject to change.
Description of goods
In your GB ENS, HMRC are looking at goods descriptions to assess the risk. The description of the goods needs to be of a high level.
"This is a plain language description precise enough for customs to be able to identify the goods without reference to other documents/materials. General terms such as “consolidated”, “general cargo”, “parts” or “miscellaneous” should must not be provided. Providing an inaccurate or general description of the goods may lead to unnecessary delays, such as physical examinations of goods to ascertain their real nature." - Border Force
For instance, instead of writing “cars” in the goods description, use more specific terms such as “Ford Fiesta”, “VW Polo”. Instead of “Clothing” use “Men’s shirts” or “jackets”, etc.
When does S&S GB need to be submitted?
This can vary depending on a variety of factors. As a general guide-
- RoRo - at least 2 hours prior to the goods arriving into GB
- LeShuttle (Eurotunnel) Freight - at least 1 hour prior to the goods arriving at the terminal
- GVMS ports - before the vehicle checks in
- Goods destined for temporary storage - before the vehicle checks in.
Can someone else create my GB ENS for me?
Your customer can complete the GB ENS - however, as the haulier, you are legally liable to ensure the submission and accuracy of this data. Therefore, we recommend using our innovative software solution available in the Haulier Border Toolkit.
“If responsibility for submitting is passed to a third party, the legal liability to make sure that an entry summary declaration has been submitted still remains with the carrier. However, the responsibility that the information provided is accurate lies with whoever is submitting the entry summary declaration.” - HMRC
How do I make amends to an existing GB ENS?
You should submit a new GB ENS if any of your information changes. For example, if the amount of goods being transported changes, or if the time of arrival changes by a significant amount. Reference the old MRN in your ENS.
Please note, do NOT include the old MRN in your GMR.
What happens after you have submitted your GB ENS?
The data is validated and, once accepted, you will receive an MRN within minutes. The data is then risk assessed for national security by the authorities, and will be used by UK Border Force to apply the relevant controls.
How do I submit a GB ENS for multiple consignments in one trailer?
S&S GB allows you to input multiple consignees and consignors. However, you will still be required to describe all the goods on the trailer (and how they are packed).
If the trailer is unaccompanied, then the place of loading will be the port of exit and the place of discharge will be the port of entry.
When to submit a single consignment entry
You would need a single entry if you were doing a milk-round style collection.
For example, if Johnny picks up one load in Germany (that is destined for London), and a second load in France (that is destined for Birmingham). There will be two separate consignments going to and from different locations. Therefore, two ENS’s will be required - one for each load.
When to submit a multiple consignment entry
You would need a multiple consignment entry if you were moving shipments for different consignors and consignees from the same loading point to the same delivery point (groupage warehouse to warehouse) and via the same countries of routing (which must be listed in chronological order).
Is a GB ENS required for Northern Ireland?
You will need to continue to process ENS declarations for Northern Ireland. In fact, this has already been in place since Brexit.
NI requires that you submit an ENS declaration, but this is through ICS2 rather than S&S GB.
To submit your ENS for NI, you can use TSS or the CustomsLink Haulier Border Toolkit.
An ENS will remain a mandatory requirement for NI imports when the Windsor Framework is implemented fully.
Do I need an ENS for Northern Ireland to mainland UK?
An ENS is not required for mainland UK imports coming from Northern Ireland, however, if the goods are coming from the Republic of Ireland (via NI) then a GB ENS will be required.
UK Mainland imports from the Republic of Ireland do require a GB ENS, unless the goods are travelling from Northern Ireland, via ROI into mainland UK.
If travelling in an empty vehicle, do you need a GB ENS?
- Accompanied vehicles - don't need a GB ENS if empty, UNLESS the vehicle is moving under a transport contract
- Unaccompanied freight - always needs a GB ENS, because the ferry operator / carrier has a transport contract with haulier.
Do you need a GB ENS for transit shipments?
Yes; S&S GB concerns the safety of goods entering into a customs territory. Therefore, a GB ENS is still required for transit shipments.
Do you need a GB ENS for personal effects?
Yes; if the vehicle carrying the personal effects is booked as freight under a transport contract, then a GB ENS is required.
Do you need a GB ENS for empty vehicles?
Yes; if the empty vehicle is booked as freight under a transport contract, then a GB ENS is required.
Do you need a GB ENS for goods transported under an ATA Carnet?
Yes; if the vehicle carrying the goods are booked as freight under a transport contract, then a GB ENS is required.
Access our innovative & simple GB ENS tool and use it FREE until January 31st 2025 when you sign up for our Haulier Border Toolkit.
