What the service involves
An ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) gives customs safety and security data about a consignment before it arrives. Customs use it to assess risk – before the goods even reach the port.
For Great Britain, the ENS is submitted in the HMRC Safety and Security GB system – mandatory for movements from the EU since 31 January 2025. For the European Union, the ENS goes to the ICS2 system.
At the French smart border (Calais, Dunkirk, Eurotunnel), every vehicle also needs an ELO – Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire. It is a single envelope holding the numbers of all declarations for the lorry, with one barcode the driver shows at the border. Since 20 April 2026, an ELO is required for every crossing.
- safety and security data – before arrival in the UK or EU
- ENS
- the EU safety and security system for goods entering the Union
- ICS2
- one barcode per vehicle at the French border
- ELO
What the service includes
- We submit the ENS for Great Britain (S&S GB)
- We submit the ENS for the EU in ICS2
- We prepare the ELO with the vehicle's declaration numbers
- We link the ENS references to the GMR
- We amend the data when the vehicle or load changes
- We respond to customs queries after risk assessment
Not included
- We don't arrange transport – your haulier or freight forwarder does that
- The consignor is responsible for the accuracy of the cargo data – we check it, but it doesn't replace the commercial documents
Typical data required
For the safety and security declaration, we need:
- Consignor and consignee – full name, address, EORI number
- Description of goods and HS codes
- Number and type of packages, gross weight
- Transport details – haulier, vehicle, ferry or tunnel, expected arrival
- Route – country of dispatch, country of destination, point of entry
Common mistakes
- A vague description of goods, e.g. “parts” or “general cargo”
- No consignee EORI number
- A declaration submitted after boarding the ferry
- A change of vehicle without updating the ENS and ELO
Complete data sent in advance helps avoid delays, penalties and goods being held at the border.
Step by step
- 1
You send the shipment details
The invoice or packing list, haulier details and planned crossing.
- 2
We check descriptions and codes
We refine the description of goods and the HS codes so the declaration passes risk assessment.
- 3
We submit the ENS
For the UK in the HMRC system or for the EU in ICS2 – before the vehicle enters.
- 4
We create the ELO
For crossings via France, we gather the vehicle's declaration numbers into one envelope with a barcode.
- 5
We pass on the references
The ENS number goes into the GMR, and the driver gets the ELO barcode to show at the border.
- 6
Follow-up after assessment
If customs have questions or order an inspection, we respond on behalf of your business.
Documents needed
- Commercial invoice or packing list
- EORI numbers of the consignor and consignee
- Vehicle and trailer registration numbers
- Haulier, border crossing and planned crossing time
- MRNs of the customs declarations – for the ELO
Templates to download
Packing list – business shipment
Template for businesses: seller and buyer with EORI and VAT numbers, goods description, HS code, quantity, value, weight, country of origin and Incoterms.
XLSX · 18 KB · English and Polish
Customs Clearance Services Agreement
Agreement for businesses: company details, scope of representation before HMRC (direct or indirect), customs charges and payment terms.
PDF · 284 KB · English
