United Kingdom postpones mandatory ENS until 31 January 2025

Companies involved in the export of cargo from the European Union to the United Kingdom (UK) will not be required to submit an Entry Summary Declaration – abbreviated as ENS – to the British government prior to transport until the 31st of January 2025. The British government has postponed the previously announced commencement date of the 31st of October 2024. More information will follow soon from the UK.

The ENS is a safety & security declaration that, barring some exceptions, applies to all cargo. For cargo entering the European Union, the ENS has already been in effect for years. More background information about the ENS, which will be mandatory prior to admission to the UK, is available here.

Prepare for new rules on entering the EU (ICS2)

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

DEFRA – New import controls were implemented on 30 April 2024.  Read a summary of BTOM operational learnings and commonly asked queries since April 30, to help you get it right at the border and reduce unnecessary delays.

Read DEFRA’s tips here

Free webinars on introduction Border Target Operating Model to help prepare

Get Ready for Brexit – Brexit once again requires your attention. From 31 January 2024, the UK government is gradually introducing the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM). On 31 January 2024, health certification will apply to medium-risk animal products, plants and food from the EU. Identity checks and physical inspections will be added by 30 April 2024. Finally, security declarations for EU imports will be enforced by 31 October 2024, with a limited dataset introduced to streamline customs declarations.

You are welcome to attend several online events informing you about this. These are relevant for companies exporting animal products, fish products, plants, plant products and/or animal food to the UK. Check here for the most up-to-date overview.

Please note! The UK government (DEFRA) runs monthly sector-specific online training sessions to prepare companies for the new veterinary and phytosanitary (SPS) import controls (certification and border controls) within the new Border Target Operating Model (TOM). View the current list of DEFRA webinars here.

New customs rules for UK imports fast approaching

Get Ready for Brexit newsletter – On 31 January 2024, the first measures of the Border Target Operating Model will take effect in the United Kingdom (UK). A phytosanitary or veterinary certificate will then be required for a large group of animal products, plants and plant products from a medium risk onwards for imports to the UK. The UK government will also start inspections of these cargoes from 30 April 2024. This newsletter will help you further in your preparations

Interview with NVWA Brexit coordinator Peter Verbaas: ‘Get ready!’

getreadyforbrexit.eu – On 31 January 2024, the first measures of the Border Target Operating Model take effect in the United Kingdom (UK). For a large group of animal products, plants and plant products from a medium risk onwards, a phytosanitary or veterinary certificate will then be required for imports to the UK. Coordinator Brexit at the NVWA, Peter Verbaas worries about the state of preparation among Dutch companies. “For those who are not ready in time for that phase, business with the UK unfortunately stops.”

What is the state of play?

“Towards Dutch business I can only say: prepare! There has been no signal from the UK to consider another postponement. Understandably too, the challenge of providing all products from a medium risk onwards with a veterinary or phytosanitary certificate from 31 January is entirely on our side of the North Sea.”

Is business in the Netherlands ready for this?

“My gut feeling is that many companies are still on hold. For certification, we have made clear agreements with the business community on self-certification. They do this by participating in the business recognition system. It has been agreed that 80 per cent of the plant-based industry will work that way. For veterinary cargo, it is even 100 per cent.”

What does this way of working look like in practice?

“Companies submit a protocol to us for self-inspection of their cargo. The regulator audits this protocol and after approval, the company can start working that way. We certify remotely. We inspect via spot checks. By working this way, we want to minimise logistical delays for business and make the best use of our capacity as a supervisor. We all benefit from this.”

What does this require from business?

“Most of the work is preparing and setting up the protocol, plus auditing it. For the plant business sector, a training course for Phytosanitary Officer will be added for employees. The important thing is that companies set up the agreed working method in good time. Otherwise, things will get out of hand. Those who have not started preparing by now should really worry. We do not issue certificates outside this working method. Very annoying for those who are not ready in time. It is then up to the UK to decide whether to allow consignments or not.”

What do you see as logistical risks of the UK’s new import measures?

“Companies now often combine low- and medium-risk cargo in one shipment. Will that continue? We do hear that companies want to separate the two risk groups. But that is not always possible. If you’re making flower bouquets here in the Netherlands, it’s probably not doable to add a final medium-risk branch in the UK. It may also be that parties no longer include medium-risk products in a bouquet. These are business choices.”

“Another logistical risk is that cargo may soon be rejected in the UK. Going back to the EU is not easy. That requires specific documents and safeguards. I don’t think everyone realises that yet. It is important as a company to think about that in advance as well.”

What appeal would you like to make to the business community?

“Don’t underestimate what it will take to comply with the UK’s new import requirements. Those who have not yet started preparations, do so now! Our message as NVWA is very clear: if a large group thinks they can wait a little longer, we will all soon be at a standstill. We cannot help everyone at the last minute. It’s like boarding a plane. One person is always allowed to arrive later than two hours before departure. If everyone does that, the plane won’t leave on time. As NVWA, we have to have time for the audit. Moreover, it may be the case that following an audit at a company, another adjustment is needed. That too takes time.”

Where can companies go who still need help?

“On our website, the Brexit page offers explanations. The relevant industry associations can often also provide further clarification. After all, every company is slightly different. At the request of a trade association, we are also happy to come and provide information. If there is a need for this, we climb on the stage to start the conversation about what is needed prior to 31 January 2024.”

Defra Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) webinars, recordings and events online available

DEFRA -The recordings of recent DEFRA webinars can be viewed via the BTOM YouTube page. DEFRA will continue to upload all recordings of webinars on this page as the BTOM implementation period progresses. Don’t hesitate to subscribe to keep up to date with the latest videos.

Read the entire post here. You can also register for the new events DEFRA is still organising here.

Always check if action is needed before departure to the UK

www.getreadyforbrexit.eu – For access of cargo to the UK, the UK government now uses two different models: temporary storage and pre-lodgement. As a carrier, you need to know in advance which access model applies to your cargo. Pre-lodgement requires emphatic action on your part before your driver drives to the ferry terminal. Therefore, ask carefully which model applies to each shipment. Unnecessary delays at the Dutch ferry terminal and at the British border can thus be avoided.

When temporary storage, when pre-lodgement?
The British ports served by the Dutch ferry operators allow both access models. Check this schedule for each ferry operator to see when temporary storage applies to your cargo and when pre-lodgement. Caution! A wrong choice in the model can usually not be corrected after arrival at the Dutch ferry terminals. The shipment then automatically falls into the temporary storage model.

Temporary storage: no prior action required
Cargo entering the UK under temporary storage can be stored in a temporary storage facility (usually the terminal) for up to 90 days at the border. No separate action is required before your driver leaves for the Dutch ferry terminal. After declaration by the UK importer or his representative to UK Customs, the goods travel on to their final destination.

Pre-lodgement: action first, then drive
With pre-lodgement, the UK importer or his representative makes the declaration even before the ferry leaves the Netherlands. Carrier on the Dutch side beware! Before the driver drives to the ferry terminal, you must first do the following in the UK Goods Vehicle Management Service (GMVS):

  • In GVMS, you link the import declaration made in the UK to your trailer. You do this using the MRN(s) transmitted to you by the UK importer or his representative.
  • You enter the Goods Movement Reference (GMR) that GVMS then generates with your ferry booking. Only if the ferry terminal has the GMR when your trailer arrives will your cargo be able to proceed without delay.

Read here how to obtain a GMR for each shipment

One-time registration in GVMS
To be able to use GVMS for pre-lodgement shipments, you as a carrier register once with the UK government.

Helpful help for proper use of GVMS
The UK government offers several handy inputs to help you get started for GVMS:

UK inspection yes or no
On arrival in the UK, GVMS cargo can generally proceed immediately. Alternatively, the driver may be referred to an Inland Border Facility (IBF) for inspection. Before arriving in the UK, check whether this applies to your cargo via this handy UK government website. Filling in your cargo’s GMR is all you need to do. One click and you know where you stand. If inspection is indeed required, the website, available in 12 languages, will also help you on your way.

UK government also helps you on your way!

www.getreadyforbrexit.eu – As happens in the Netherlands, the UK government also makes an effort to keep you optimally informed about all the requirements that apply in transport with the UK.

24/7 Gov.UK helpline
For all questions about your exports to or imports from the UK, call the UK Customs (HMRC) helpline 24/7: +44 300 322 9434. Chat with HMRC is also available.

Urgent problem at the border?
Is your cargo stuck at the border? With urgent questions, call +44 300 322 9434, option 1.

Carriers’ Handbook
Through a Carriers’ Handbook, the UK government provides hauliers with a comprehensive reference guide to the rules for all the different types of RoRo (accompanied and unaccompanied) transport between the European Union and the UK.

Website offers even more information
Lots of information on doing business with the UK can also be found on this UK government website (in English).

UK government publishes new draft Border Target Operating Model

NBCC – Today the UK Government, with the support of the Scottish and Welsh Governments, has published our new draft Border Target Operating Model (TOM).

The publication can be accessed: The Border Target Operating Model: Draft for Feedback

A press release containing additional background can be accessed at: UK Government publishes draft proposals for new border controls – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Minister of State for the Cabinet Office with responsibility for the border, Baroness Neville-Rolfe, and Borders Group Director, Tom Smith, are hosting a call today, Wednesday 5th April, at 16:00 (NL time), at which they will present the new TOM. Plans will also be set out for a period of engagement in the coming weeks.

This is a public call open to government and industry stakeholders. The link to the All Stakeholder Call can be found here.

Responding to the publication of draft proposals from Government for new border controls, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

“The British Chambers of Commerce is a big believer in the shift to a digital trade system. If it is done properly then smaller firms will see benefits when it comes to importing goods into Great Britain.

“Providing certainty for business is crucial and the focus must now be on delivering to the timescales set out. This will need a concerted effort to get the physical and digital infrastructure in place.

“It is then vital that companies, here and across the world, involved in sourcing and supply chains, are properly prepared for these changes and the introduction of new trusted trader arrangements.

“We look forward to engaging with our members and businesses across the UK on the details during the six-week consultation period ahead and pre-implementation period thereafter, as well as Government, to ensure the switchover runs as smoothly as possible.”

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