The UK’s ENS Declaration: Your 2025 Compliance Guide for EU Shipments

Since January 31, 2025, a significant change has been in effect for all freight transport from the European Union to the United Kingdom. The introduction of the ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) has fundamentally changed the process for cross-border logistics. This isn’t a future change to watch out for—it’s the new standard, and full compliance is mandatory.

For any carrier moving goods into the UK, understanding and managing the ENS requirement is not just an administrative task; it’s a critical component of a successful and more effective supply chain. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to stay compliant and avoid costly disruptions! 😉

What Exactly is an ENS Declaration?

At its core, the  ENS declaration is a pre-arrival security and safety filing. Its primary purpose is to provide UK customs authorities with advance information about the goods before they arrive at the border. This system allows for better predictive risk analysis and is a key tool in the fight against smuggling, terrorism, and international trade fraud.

While this is a new development for EU-to-UK routes following Brexit, the concept isn’t new to international logistics. A similar system has been in place for goods entering the EU from non-EU countries, such as Morocco, for a long time. The UK has now implemented this global standard to secure its borders.

The Carrier’s Responsibility and the Risks of Non-Compliance

It is crucial to understand that the carrier is responsible for filing the ENS declaration. Without a valid and accepted ENS, vehicles will not be permitted to enter the UK.

The risks of non-compliance are significant and can directly impact your operations and profitability:

• Stopped Vehicles: Trucks arriving at the border without a valid ENS will be turned away.
• Costly Delays: The time spent resolving the issue results in major operational delays, disrupting schedules and supply chains.
• Financial Penalties: Non-compliance can lead to fines and other financial penalties.

The Practical Challenge: Accessing the Right Systems

The main challenge for many carriers is the technical requirement for filing. An ENS declaration must be submitted through specific customs-linked platforms, often referred to as “Safety and Security” systems. Many transport companies do not have direct access to these specialized systems, creating a significant administrative and technical barrier.

The SWIDA Innovative Solution: Your Partner in Compliance

Recognizing this challenge, SWIDA Innovative has developed a comprehensive solution to ensure our partners can navigate this new requirement effortlessly. We act as your single point of coordination, managing the entire ENS process on your behalf.

Here is how we solve the problem:

• Full-Service Management: For a fee, we handle the complete preparation and submission of the ENS declaration.
• Certified Partnerships: We work through our trusted partners who have direct access to the necessary customs security systems to lodge the declaration correctly.
• Easy Delivery: Once the ENS declaration is completed and approved, we deliver the necessary documentation directly to your driver.

This service is designed to eliminate the administrative burden, save you time, and provide the certainty that your shipments will cross the UK border without any issues.

Don’t Let Paperwork Slow You Down

The ENS requirement is now a permanent fixture of UK logistics. For carriers focused on delivering goods, navigating complex customs systems shouldn’t be a distraction. By partnering with SWIDA Innovative, you ensure your fleet remains compliant and your business keeps moving forward.

Are you shipping to the UK? Contact us today to learn more about our ENS declaration service and let us find the most effective solution for you.