Aerona’s Eye on the Industry – Safety and Security Declarations

The deadline for implementing Safety and Security Declarations UK has passed, making it crucial for all businesses importing goods into Great Britain to understand this significant regulatory requirement.  

Effective since January 31st, 2025, the new regulations require all importers to submit Safety and Security Declarations UK to ensure border compliance

Why Safety and Security Declarations Matter for UK Imports

Safety and Security Declarations UK play a critical role in safeguarding the supply chain and ensuring smooth import operations into Great Britain

This is also known as an Entry Summary Declaration (ESD) and applies to all goods unless specifically exempted by an existing waiver. 

At Aerona Customs Clearance Agents, we understand that transitioning to new protocols can be daunting. 

With the arrival of the Safety & Security declaration, it’s vital to have a clear understanding of what is required for compliance. This will ensure that penalties are avoided but will also help to streamline your operations. 

We want to recap some of the Safety & Security declaration requirements and provide guidance on how your business can prepare its import processes. 

Importance of the Safety & Security Declaration 

The Safety & Security declaration is a critical aspect of the importation process for both Rest of World and EU traffic. This includes retaining goods on board.

The requirement for the declaration comes from a commitment to enhance border security and ensure safer import practices across the UK’s borders. 

The responsibility for submitting this declaration lies primarily with the carrier – the operator of the transport vehicle or vessel bringing the goods into the customs territory. 

It’s essential to recognise that each carrier needs to comply with the legal obligations set forth by the Border Force. 

What Border Force Will Measure 

Understanding the metrics that Border Force will use to assess compliance with the Safety & Security declaration can help your business prioritise and organise its import activities. 

Here’s what they will be evaluating: 

1. Connectivity – Carriers must connect to the Safety & Security Gateway for Business (SSGB) to submit declarations electronically.

2. Comprehensiveness – Every consignment must have a declaration submitted. Oversight in this area can lead to significant issues. 

3. Timeliness – You must submit declarations within the mandated time frames. Delays could result in repercussions and hinder supply chain efficiency. 

4. Completeness – You must fill out all required fields in the declaration accurately and completely.

5. Accuracy – The information provided must meet the required standard. Avoid null values and generic descriptors, and ensure the declaration accurately represents the imported goods.

What to Expect 

For many EU carriers, the Safety & Security declaration will be a new process. 

The Border Force acknowledges this and is committed to assisting carriers in becoming compliant.

This will include identifying non-compliance issues, alerting carriers and providing education about proper procedures. 

If your organisation has not yet connected to SSGB or engaged an intermediary experienced in customs declarations, it is crucial to take swift action. Therefore, to avoid potential compliance issues, make the necessary arrangements as soon as possible.

Failure to comply jeopardises your ability to import goods. Furthermore, it could lead to even more severe consequences.

Consequences of Non-Compliance 

Continued or deliberate non-compliance with Safety & Security declaration requirements can lead to various penalties, including:

Warning Letter – A preliminary notice highlighting the compliance issues. This will urge immediate rectification.

Customs Civil Penalty Notice – A formal notice imposing financial penalties for non-compliance.

Information Sharing – Compliance information may be disseminated to HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) teams that govern other schemes, such as the Approved Economic Operator (AEO) program. 

These penalties highlight the importance of being proactive in ensuring compliance with the Safety & Security declaration requirements. 

Tips for Ensuring Compliance 

1. Stay Informed – Regularly review updates from Border Force as guidelines and regulations can evolve. Being informed will help you remain compliant. 

2. Train Your Team – Invest in training for your staff who handle customs declarations. Understanding the new requirements is crucial to avoid errors. 

3. Develop Strong Partnerships – If your business exports frequently, it is essential to consider working with a customs broker or consultant who specializes in Safety and Security Declarations UK. By doing so, you can ensure that your processes remain seamless and efficient.

4. Implement Robust Systems – Utilise technology that can help streamline the submission process, ensuring connectivity to SSGB and that all necessary information is captured and submitted accurately and on time. 

5. Conduct Regular Audits – Regularly auditing your submission practices can identify areas for improvement and ensure that your business adheres to compliance requirements. 

At Aerona Customs Clearance Agents, we recognise the challenges that businesses face with new regulations. 

When you take a proactive approach and ensure compliance with the Safety and Security Declarations UK, you not only safeguard your operations but also actively contribute to the overall security of trade in Great Britain.

By investing time and resources into understanding and complying with the Safety & Security declaration requirements, your business will be well-placed to navigate the evolving landscape of import regulations confidently. 

Aerona’s advice is to remain vigilant, informed and proactive. 

With the right preparations and support, your business can navigate the complexities of the Safety & Security declaration process effectively. 

It’s about ensuring a smoother import experience and contributing to the integrity and security of international trade.

At Aerona Customs Clearance Agents, we assist businesses in complying with Safety and Security Declarations UK, ensuring seamless, penalty-free trade operations.