Sunrise over Felixstowe Container Port as two tugs shepherd a container ship away from the harbour wall stock photo

Changes To GB Safety and Security Import Controls Suppliers Need To Be Aware Of


The Changes

From 31st October 2024, Safety and Security (S&S) declarations will now be required for all goods being imported from the EU, not just animal, plant or plant-based products. This means that imports from the EU will now be subject to the same control measures as imports from the rest of the world. These changes are part of the UK Government’s plan to strengthen border controls and ensure that all imported goods meet the country’s safety and security standards.

Great Britain’s departure from the European Union has led to many changes within the freight forwarding industry. Following the departure, England, Scotland and Wales are no longer part of a safety and security zone with the EU. Therefore from 2020, the Government has been gradually introducing border controls and these new import requirements for goods from the EU is the latest update to occur.

UK based shipping port

What Is A Safety & Security (S&S) Declaration?

A S&S declaration is a document that is used by border authorities to assess the potential risk of goods crossing the border into the UK. Updated safety and security regulations now require pre-arrival and pre-departure information for all consignments entering and leaving Great Britain for the EU.

Safety and security data for goods being imported are submitted by making an entry summary declaration via the S&S GB service. These must be completed with accurate information before any goods arrive at the border.

The Impact

The introduction of these latest safety and security regulations are going to add new complexities to importing from the EU. Businesses will need to navigate a more intricate set of regulations and compliance requirements, ensuring that all documentation and information is accurate. Importers who don’t comply with these requirements will likely face significant delays, potential fines and the rejection of goods at the border.

How To Prepare For GB Import Control Changes

To prepare for the upcoming changes, road transport operators are being urged to familiarise themselves with the new declaration process to avoid issues. Carriers and businesses that import goods into the UK that haven’t yet registered for the S&S GB service must do so as soon as possible and ensure they are familiar with the system to maintain seamless shipping operations.

If you require any further information regarding the newest safety and security import controls and how to navigate them, then don’t hesitate to contact us. At Jenkar Shipping, we pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of industry standards and regulations so we can provide an exceptional service for our clients. Our dedicated team of experts are always ready to assist you with your shipping needs, no matter how big or small.

Keep Updated

Stay up to date with the latest trends, news and updates in the freight forwarding industry to ensure that your logistics operations are always optimised for efficiency.

Jenkar warehouse worker moving cargo into the warehouse What’s The Difference Between A 3PL Provider And A Freight Forwarder?

Moving goods across borders and handling import and export procedures can come with a host of complications. From understanding customs clearance procedures to navigating global events that are affecting supply chains, the landscape of logistics is constantly changing. This requires businesses to stay informed and adapt to these changes or seek help from companies that […]

Read More

Airplane flying in sky How Has Demand For Air Freight Risen In 2024?

p The air freight industry is currently experiencing an increased surge in demand that has been driven by a series of factors that are affecting global trade. The pandemic in 2020 saw the demand for air freight rise as ecommerce purchases increased, and this has left a lasting impact on the industry. Businesses have seen […]

Read More

Blue ship sailing Understanding the SOLAS Convention and Their Role In Freight Shipping

Sea freight is one of the most significant aspects of freight forwarding, with around 90% of the world’s goods being transported via ocean freight. Therefore, regulating the freight industry and ensuring maritime safety measures are in place is vital. One of the most important and globally recognised maritime regulations is the SOLAS Convention, which plays […]

Read More