Pre-arrival information
ENS supplies safety and security information before arrival. ICS2 handles this for entry into the EU; Great Britain requirements must be checked under UK rules. Do not assume one system’s requirements apply to the other. France-to-UK and UK-to-France movements need separate assessment.
Who supplies the information?
Agree filing responsibility and the source of data across the supply chain. Carrier, forwarder and importer may hold different information. Passing paperwork to an agent alone does not resolve every obligation. Establish clear roles and confirm that complete data reaches the appropriate filer.
Customs and security are separate tasks
An invoice, import declaration and ENS may relate to the same consignment but perform different functions. A GMR does not automatically replace security filing. Combined transit-data arrangements require checking the country and system. Possession of an MRN does not always fulfil ENS obligations.
Before you commission the work
- Identify direction and first country of entry.
- Agree filer and data sources.
- Check the applicable system and current requirements.
- Separate security and customs references.
What to watch out for
Completing formalities for entry into the UK does not prepare the return journey into the EU. Assess each direction separately.
Official sources
General information, not a customs decision or individual tax advice. Requirements depend on goods, route and circumstances; check current guidance before transport.
