Know what you need to comply with when exporting to the UK

Mandatory Entry Summary Declaration postponed to 31 January 2025

Questions on Brexit?

Certificate requirement and inspections at UK border

The UK authorities now inspect incoming phytosanitary and veterinary cargo from a medium risk onwards in Border Control Posts (BCPs). Imports of these goods are also subject to a certificate requirement. Both measures stem from the UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), with additional customs rules.

View the final BTOM

This information will help you on your way

Do you want to check what is required prior to exporting phytosanitary and veterinary cargo to the UK? Or are you confronted with unexpected situations, such as cargo that is returned unexpectedly? This information will help you on your way (only available in Dutch):

Tips from evofenedex on avoiding pitfalls
Overview compiled by the RVO of the rules and a step-by-step plan for export
Explanation from NVWA on procedures should your veterinary cargo of phytosanitary cargo be returned unexpectedly
Dutch Customs regulations for returning goods

31 January 2025 Entry Summary Declaration for all exports to the UK

From the 31st of January 2025, it will be mandatory for all companies involved in export to the UK to submit an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) prior to transport. The originally proposed commencement date for submission of the ENS (31 October 2024) has been cancelled.

Read the announcement of the ENS in the BTOM (pages 29, 99 and 100) or, for more background, consult this post. As soon as the UK government provides further details on the details of the ENS, you will read about it on this website.

Read the announcement of the ENS in the BTOM (pages 29, 99 and 100) or, for more background information, consult this post. As soon as the UK government provides further details on the implementation of the ENS, we will feature this on this website.

Prepare for new rules on entering the EU (ICS2)

Not a Brexit measure, but essential for bringing goods into the European Union (EU) from the UK: the introduction by EU Customs of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) for the maritime sector.

Implementation has already started. Basically, ICS2 means that more information is required for being able to submit the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) and Temporary Storage Declaration (ATO).

Read here what the ferry companies are asking of you because of ICS2.

Key date

For all exporters

Starts 31 January 2025

All exporters from the EU are required to submit a safety declaration (ENS) prior to transport to the UK.

Already in force

For exporters of veterinary and phytosanitary cargoes

Effective since 30 April 2024

The UK inspects in Border Control Posts incoming animal products, plants and plant products from a medium risk from the EU.

Effective since 31 January 2024

For a large group of animal products, plants and plant products from a medium risk onwards, a phytosanitary or veterinary certificate is required for imports into the UK.

Tips for smooth transport

As an exporter, this is important to do!

BAR Ondernemer met bloembollen 2400x1600

Become familiar with applying for phytosanitary or veterinary certificates and the inspections preceding them.
Read more
Immerse yourself in the necessary steps for smooth transport through ports on both the Dutch and UK sides.
Read more
Consult with your logistics service provider in good time about adjustments in your logistics chain.
With groupage, for instance, avoid inspections in the UK of high- and medium-risk products slow down your low-risk shipments. Read more

As a logistics provider, this is important to do!

Make arrangements with your principals about applying for phytosanitary or veterinary certificates and the inspections preceding these.
Read more
Immerse yourself in the necessary steps for smooth transport through ports on both the Dutch and UK sides.
Read more
Think carefully about the organisation of your logistics chain.
With groupage, for example, make sure that inspections in the UK of high- and medium-risk products do not delay the transport of low-risk shipments. Read more

What you need to know

6 key topics for smooth transport to and from the UK.

Existing customs rules remain unchanged

The customs rules already introduced by the UK because of Brexit remain unchanged. Make sure you comply with these rules. This will prevent cargo from stalling at the UK border or even already in the Dutch port.

Brexit knowledge base

In our knowledge base, you will find the answers to many questions about your transport to and from the UK after Brexit.

FAQ’s

These organisations help

Go to knowledge base

UK Customs Approach

Latest Brexit news

8 October 2024

United Kingdom postpones mandatory ENS until 31 January 2025

Companies involved in the export of cargo from the European Union…

22 July 2024

Prepare for new rules on entering the EU (ICS2)

7 May 2024

DEFRA: summary of BTOM operational learnings and commonly asked queries since 30 April

2 April 2024

Newsletter: United Kingdom to start import inspections at Border Control Posts as of 30 April

1 February 2024

Important update and contact information for Border Target Operating Model

View all news

New to transport to and from the UK

The Dutch Brexit solution?

Since the introduction of Brexit in 2021, you are required to complete 5 simple steps to ensure smooth transport through the Dutch ports. This applies to both inbound and outbound cargo.

All ferry and shortsea terminals make this chain-wide Get Ready for Brexit approach mandatory. Only correctly pre-notified cargo can enter and leave the terminal. From importer, exporter and forwarder to carrier and driver: everyone has a task to perform for Get Ready for Brexit. Together, we ensure that every transport to and from the United Kingdom always runs smoothly.

Watch the solution in 3 minutes

This means Brexit for you as:

Customs Agent

Importer

Transporter

Forwarder

Exporter

Software supplier

Initiating partners

Supporting the logistics business via Get Ready for Brexit is a joint initiative of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Portbase, Deltalinqs, evofenedex, Fenex and TLN.