Safety and Security Declarations for EU Imports Delayed Until 31 January 2025

The government has today (7 October) confirmed that safety and security (S&S) declarations will not be required for EU imports into Britain until next year.

The original plan, under the UK’s Border Target Operating Model, was for the current waiver on these declarations to be lifted 31 October 2024.

The lifting of this waiver has now been postponed until 31 January 2025, meaning S&S declarations (also known as entry summary declarations for imports) won’t be needed for EU goods entering Britain until next year.

The announcement of the General Election in May meant that the planned Safety and Security engagement to prepare stakeholders for implementation on this date was not able to start, due to the restrictions on communication activity during the pre-election period. 

Since the new government was appointed, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have been working closely with ministers to review plans for the introduction of Safety and Security declarations for EU imports, as well as listening to industry about the time it will take to prepare. 

As a result, Safety and Security declarations for EU imports will now be introduced on 31‌‌‌ ‌‌January 2025.  

The government recognises that some businesses will be ready to start submitting declarations for EU imports earlier than this – for example because they already submit declarations for rest of the world (RoW) imports. Those who are ready to start submitting their declarations ahead of this date are encouraged to do so. 

Further information will be published in the coming weeks, and HMRC will reach out to key stakeholders to start arranging more detailed engagement sessions, including to support readiness activity.