Information for intermediaries and customs agents
Updated 18 December 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/preparing-for-the-new-safety-and-security-declaration-requirements/information-for-intermediaries-and-customs-agents
Please read this information if you are an intermediary or customs agent and your customers are involved in importing goods into Great Britain (GB) from the European Union (EU).
Background
From 31 January 2025, all EU imports into Great Britain will require a safety and security (S&S) declaration. See a full list of countries this applies to.
Hauliers or carriers are legally responsible for submitting safety and security declarations.
However, as an intermediary, you can submit the declaration on the carrier’s behalf if they have asked you to do so. See further information on where liability sits for different transport modes.
You should now discuss the upcoming changes with your customers. This could include reaching out to carriers and hauliers who may wish for you to submit safety and security declarations for EU imports on their behalf. Those ready to start submitting Safety and Security declarations before 31 January are encouraged to do so.
How to submit safety and security declarations
Safety and security declarations are not paper-based. You must provide the data in advance using an IT platform called S&S GB. There are 3 options for submitting your declarations into this platform:
- developing compatible software in-house – see further information on the developer hub
- buying compatible software
- employing the services of a Community System Provider
If you are submitting safety and security declarations for the first time, you will also need to register and enrol to use the S&S GB service.
Please ensure that you decide which option best suits your business and arrange the necessary registrations and software access in good time, so that you are ready for 31 January.