What Is a Safety and Security Declaration?

A safety and security declaration (an ENS — Entry Summary Declaration) is a mandatory submission filed with the customs system before goods arrive in EU customs territory. It is required for every import from outside the European Union, including imports from the United Kingdom after Brexit. The obligation to file the ENS rests, as a rule, with the carrier or an authorised customs representative acting on their behalf.

The minimum data set includes: the goods' CN code, a description of the cargo, the customs value, the country of origin and dispatch, the consignor's and consignee's details, the gross weight, and the transport identifier and expected arrival time. Missing any of these elements results in the submission being automatically rejected by the PUESC system and the declaration having to be filed again.

Responsibility depends on the contractual arrangements and the Incoterms used. As a rule, the obligation to file the ENS rests with the carrier. The importer or exporter can transfer this responsibility to an authorised customs agency acting as a direct or indirect representative — such an arrangement must be documented with a written customs power of attorney.

The deadline depends on the mode of transport: for containerised sea transport — a minimum of 24 hours before loading at the port of departure; for road transport — a minimum of 1 hour before arrival at the EU border; for air transport — a minimum of 4 hours before landing. Missing the deadline risks the cargo being held for inspection and demurrage charges being incurred.

Under KAS requirements, customs documentation — including proof that the ENS was filed and the results of the risk analysis — should be kept for a minimum of 5 years from the date of clearance. It is advisable to keep both the electronic versions downloaded from the PUESC system and paper copies of accompanying documents such as transport documents and commercial invoices.