What are Safety and Security (SS) declarations?
An SS declaration is a small dataset which is submitted to HMRC ahead of arrival at the port so that a risk score can be assigned to it. This is done by the carrier, and is separate to the customs clearance completed by the importer or exporter – although they can use data from the export declaration.
SS entries are already required for any goods which are arriving in the UK from a non-EU country. It is also a requirement for the majority of UK exports since the 1st of October 2021. There are very few exceptions, and Northern Ireland movements have their own guidelines.
Safety and Security declarations were due to become mandatory for goods from the EU from the 1st July 2022, but this was delayed until 31st October 2024. The mechanism has now been delayed again until the 31st of January 2025.
It’s not just SS declarations which are delayed
The Border Target Operating Model is a part of the UK’s 2025 Border Strategy, which incorporates an upgrade to infrastructure to create a more purpose-built border in the wake of Brexit.
The next phase, due to be rolled out on the 31st October, also included other components such as the Single Trade Window (STW). Inside this central platform, traders, carriers, and the different departments of customs are able to share information with ease.
However, HMRC have indicated that the SWT is still in testing phase and have not yet issued confirmation that this will also be released in January with the SS requirements.
You don’t need to wait for HMRC or be confined to a UK-only single trade window
See all of your customs data across the UK and EU from your own portal with a Customs Support Group solution. Using the existing datapoints in your network, you can collate and present your information in a useable format so that you have total visibility – on both sides of the channel.
Stay up to date and ready ahead of time with CSG. We are already helping clients with SS declarations and other upcoming regulations so that they can keep their goods moving with ease.
