Guiding our customers - safety and security declarations for EU imports to Great Britain
Starting October 31st 2024, EU imports to England, Scotland and Wales will require mandatory safety and security (S&S) declarations as part of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).
This update explains the requirements and the process for submitting the declarations. We will issue a further update when we receive final details from HMRC.
What are the S&S declarations?
The Carrier, defined as the operator of the active means of transport, will be required to submit additional information about their goods to UK customs.
Information includes:
Importer & Exporter company details
Reference number
Haulier (for driver-accompanied vehicles)
Ferry Operator (for unaccompanied trailers)
Total number of packages and weight
Border entry point (name of port)
ETA time and date
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Trailer seal (if applicable)
Description of goods
Type of packages
Any marks and reference numbers
Submitting S&S declarations
As the Carrier of the goods, Transmec will be responsible for submitting S&S declarations online through the Safety and Security GB service.
We are fully registered for the service and are able to act as a representative or third party if required.
For accompanied freight arriving via roll-on roll-off (RoRo), declarations must be submitted at least 2 hours before the ferry operator's arrival.
What next?
Transmec are preparing for the new requirements and will be able to make declarations once the main customs declaration software systems are updated to meet them. We will provide further information when this has happened.
In the meantime, further guidance is available via the gov.uk website