Frequently Asked Questions
The essentials on ENS filing, S&S GB obligations, and how we work
What exactly is an Entry Summary Declaration?
An ENS is a safety and security notification lodged before cargo arrives in Great Britain. It hands HMRC the data they need — cargo description, route, parties, timing — so border authorities can run their risk checks well before the truck or container reaches the frontier.
When did ENS filing become a legal requirement for GB imports?
The S&S GB (Safety and Security Great Britain) regime became enforceable on 31 January 2025. From that date onward, almost all freight entering Great Britain from outside the UK must be covered by a valid ENS before it arrives.
Whose name goes on the ENS — shipper, carrier or forwarder?
Legally the carrier — the operator physically moving the cargo — carries the obligation. For road freight that's the haulier behind the wheel (or their employer). Carriers are allowed to appoint a representative like us to submit on their behalf, which is what most of our clients do.
How far in advance does the ENS have to be filed?
Road freight requires the ENS at least 1 hour before the truck arrives at the GB border. Other modes have their own windows — air cargo needs notice before loading, and maritime timing depends on voyage length. We build our workflow to comfortably clear every deadline.
What data do you need from us to file?
We need roughly 20 mandatory fields covered by the S&S GB dataset: consignor and consignee details, GB EORI, goods description, commodity codes, package count, vehicle and route data, and estimated border arrival time. We'll send a clean intake form so nothing slips through.
What happens if the ENS isn't filed or is filed late?
Expect trouble at the border — holds, delays, and HMRC penalties. Repeat non-compliance can escalate into formal enforcement against the carrier. Filing correctly and on time isn't optional, which is exactly why we do this full-time.
Do I need a GB EORI number to use your service?
Yes — a valid GB EORI issued by UK Customs is mandatory for any S&S GB submission. If you don't yet have one we can walk you through the HMRC application and have you set up before your first filing.
Can you fix an ENS after it's been submitted?
Yes. If something changes after submission — a different route, updated cargo figures, a new consignee — we lodge an amendment on your behalf. The faster we hear about the change, the faster we can get the correction in front of HMRC.
Can you handle bulk volumes for carriers and forwarders?
Absolutely. We design dedicated workflows for high-volume clients, including data integration, batch submission and a named account manager. If you run dozens or hundreds of trailers a day into GB, we'll build the process around your operation.
How do I onboard with you?
Drop us a line via the contact form or call +44 1480 470 114. We'll take a short brief on your freight flows, set up your account, and have you ready to file — usually within a working day.
Do you support clients in Turkish as well as English?
Yes. Our team handles the full onboarding, filing and support cycle in both English and Turkish. For Turkish exporters and forwarders dispatching into GB, that means briefings, data reviews and compliance updates in your working language.
How is S&S GB different from ICS2?
ICS2 is the EU's import control regime — required for goods entering the European Union. S&S GB is the UK's equivalent for goods entering Great Britain. They look similar but run on separate systems with separate data and separate timing rules. We specialise in S&S GB filings for the GB leg.