GB Safety & Security by Mode of Transport
- Arne Mielken
- Jan 13, 2025
- 2 min read
Guidance for Safety and Security Declarations: Customer Journey by Mode of Transport
From 31 January 2025, all goods imported from the EU to Great Britain must be covered by a Safety and Security Declaration (Entry Summary Declaration). This blog offers essential guidance for carriers and hauliers to prepare for this new requirement, based on transport mode:
Goods travelling by air
Goods travelling by sea
Goods travelling by RoRo (accompanied and unaccompanied)
Goods travelling by rail
Goods travelling by Eurotunnel
Important Note:
This guidance applies only to imports into Great Britain. Exporters from Great Britain or Northern Ireland to the EU must continue following the established procedures.
Making Your Declaration
Self-Submission or Third-Party Services
You may choose to submit declarations yourself or engage a third-party provider.
Responsibility Reminder: Even if using a third party, you remain responsible for ensuring accurate and timely submission.
Accurate data ensures correct risk assessments, supporting border security and reducing unnecessary goods checks. The government will monitor compliance and may engage with businesses to correct non-compliance. Penalties or delays may result from enforcement actions.
Guidance by Mode of Transport
Goods Travelling by Air
Responsible Party: The airline that issued the air waybill for carriage into Great Britain.
Time Limits:
Short-haul flights (under 4 hours): Submit by the time of actual take-off.
Long-haul flights: Submit at least 4 hours before arrival.
Goods Travelling by Sea
Responsible Party: The entity that contracted and issued the bill of lading for deep-sea container or bulk/break-bulk cargo.
Time Limits:
Maritime containerised cargo: Submit at least 24 hours before loading at the port of departure.
Bulk or break-bulk cargo: Submit at least 4 hours before arrival.
Short Sea journeys: Submit at least 2 hours before arrival.
Short Sea Area Includes:
Ireland, Norway, Faeroe Islands, Iceland
Ports on the Baltic Sea, North Sea, English Channel
Atlantic coast of Europe (from the English Channel to Algeciras)
Goods Travelling by RoRo (Accompanied and Unaccompanied)
Responsible Parties:
Accompanied goods: Haulage company
Unaccompanied goods: Ferry operator
Time Limits:
Accompanied freight: Submit at least 2 hours before ferry arrival.
Unaccompanied freight: Submit at least 2 hours before ferry arrival.
Goods Travelling by Rail
Responsible Party: Rail freight operator authorised to traction the train.
Time Limits:
Short Rail Journey (under 2 hours): Submit at least 1 hour before train arrival.
Long Rail Journey (over 2 hours): Submit at least 2 hours before train arrival.
Goods Travelling by Eurotunnel
Responsible Party: Haulage company
Time Limits:
Road traffic (Le Shuttle Freight): Submit at least 1 hour before arriving at the Eurotunnel terminal in Coquelles, France.
Key Takeaways for Compliance
Review Your Submission Process: Ensure you have a clear plan for self-submission or third-party services.
Check Responsibility: Confirm who holds the obligation to lodge the declaration based on transport mode.
Meet Time Limits: Late submissions can result in delays or enforcement action.
Connect With Us for Guidance
Stay prepared and compliant by attending our live training sessions and workshops at www.customsmanager.org/events. We also offer tailored consultations to help you navigate these regulatory changes with confidence.
Disclaimer
This blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For tailored advice, consult Customs Manager Ltd today.




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