The obligation to lodge an ENS security declaration for goods entering the United Kingdom took full effect on 31 January 2025 and also covered shipments that had previously benefited from transitional periods, including some postal traffic and empty vehicles. In practice, this means the carrier or their representative must lodge the ENS before the goods arrive, regardless of whether the shipment is subject to customs clearance or only to transit. Below we explain what changes came into force in 2025 and exactly who they affect.
Contents
In brief — what you'll learn
- ✓ How to prepare the process and documents
- ✓ How the declaration and control process works
- ✓ How to maintain compliance and settlements
How to prepare the process and documents
Scope of responsibility of the parties
Minimum data set for the declaration
Every ENS declaration needs at least: identifying data for the consignor and consignee (EORI number or full address), CN commodity codes, a description of the cargo, the country of origin, the value and weight of the shipment, and the transport means data. It's worth setting up a completeness check before the vehicle is even brought in — this helps avoid corrections after the declaration is lodged and shortens the wait for the goods to be released.
See our full range of UK customs clearance services.
How the declaration and control process works
Operational stages from notification to release
Most common risk points and how to limit them
The most common shortcomings are: missing or incorrect CN commodity codes, a mismatch in value between the invoice and the declaration, and missing the deadline for lodging the ENS before the goods arrive. To limit these, use a four-point check: verify the classification, the value, the deadline and the responsible person — before the declaration leaves the system, which keeps the process repeatable and resistant to misinterpretation from unofficial sources.
How to maintain compliance and settlements
Record-keeping, corrections and evidence of due diligence
Every document linked to the ENS — the invoice, the specification, the CMR, confirmation that the declaration was lodged — should be kept for a minimum of four years, in line with HMRC requirements. If a correction is needed, both versions of the declaration (the original and the corrected one) must be kept, together with a note on the reason for the change, which serves as evidence of due diligence in the event of an official audit.
Working with a customs agency and internal audit
Regular internal reviews — quarterly, or after every official audit — help catch systematic data errors before they become embedded. The customs agency should receive a clear brief covering the roles of the parties to the transaction, the value and classification of the goods, which removes the need for repeated queries and speeds up the submission of a correct ENS declaration.
Summary
In summary: when it comes to "New ENS Requirements UK 2025", the key is to run the process according to current official guidance, with a clear division of responsibilities and documentation of every decision. This approach reduces delays, cuts the number of corrections and makes it easier to defend your records during an audit. If any requirement is unclear, check the current guidance on GOV.UK or consult an accredited customs agent.
Legal basis and sources
If regulations or system notices are updated, check the current guidance on GOV.UK or with KAS before submitting a declaration.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ENS and who has to lodge it in the UK in 2025?
The Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) is a security declaration lodged before goods arrive in the United Kingdom. The obligation falls on the carrier or their customs representative and applies to all goods imported from outside the UK, including from the EU, following the full post-Brexit security requirements coming into force.
How far in advance of the goods arriving must the ENS be lodged?
The deadlines depend on the mode of transport: for road transport it's at least 1 hour before arrival, for sea transport 24 hours before loading at the port of departure, and for air transport between 30 minutes and 4 hours depending on the length of the flight. Missing the deadline can result in the cargo being held by the border authorities.
What data is mandatory in an ENS declaration for goods imported from Poland?
The ENS declaration must include: identifying data for the consignor and consignee (EORI number or full address), CN commodity codes, a detailed description of the cargo, the country of origin, the value and weight of the shipment, and the transport means data. Missing any of these fields results in the declaration being rejected by the GVMS system and having to be resubmitted.
What's changing in the UK ENS requirements from 2025 compared to previous years?
From 2025, HMRC is extending the ENS obligation to further categories of goods and strengthening integration with the GVMS system and S&S GB (Safety & Security GB — the UK's ENS declaration system; not to be confused with the EU's ICS2, which covers imports into the EU). The new rules clarify the division of responsibility between the parties to a transaction and introduce stricter requirements on the completeness of security data. Companies should update their operating procedures and make sure their IT systems support the current HMRC API formats.
What are the consequences of errors or omissions in an ENS declaration?
An incorrect or incomplete ENS declaration can result in the goods being held at the border, financial penalties imposed by HMRC, and the need to submit a correction, which extends clearance time. In more serious cases, the customs authority may launch an investigation or refuse to release the cargo until the missing data is provided.
Related guides
Have a similar case? Ask a customs agency
Describe the goods or vehicle, the route and timing. We reply on working days, usually the same day.
Something went wrong. Please try again or contact us by email or WhatsApp.