Don't forget that from 31 January 2025, all European Union (EU) imports into Great Britain (GB) will require safety and security declarations.

HMRC are supporting businesses to prepare for the new requirements. To find out more about the information you need to provide and the steps you can take to prepare, visit the safety and security page on GOV.UK.

HMRC have also published a short video on YouTube.

If you’re ready to start submitting safety and security declarations before 31 January 2025, you are encouraged to do so.

Please be aware that the haulier or carrier who is moving the goods across the border into GB will be legally responsible for ensuring the required safety and security declarations are submitted, although they can arrange for a third party to submit the declarations on their behalf.

HMRC are encouraging all parties in the supply chain to discuss the upcoming changes now.

Safety and security declarations support the fight against illicit goods, such as drugs and weapons entering the UK and make sure legitimate goods aren’t stopped for unnecessary checks.

Making things easier  
From 31 January 2025, HMRC are also reducing the amount of data required on a safety and security declaration, which will benefit all those who are moving goods into GB.

There will be 20 mandatory fields, reduced from 37, which must be completed for all declarations. There will also be 8 conditional fields, which only need to be completed in certain circumstances. The remaining 9 fields will be optional to complete.

They will continue to publish further information on the safety and security page on GOV.UK in the coming weeks.