The recent delay to the implementation of safety and security (S&S) requirements for goods entering the UK from the EU has given firms a longer window in which to prepare for the changes.
But it’s crucial that businesses use that time to prepare properly.
As detailed in the recently updated Chartered Institute guide on importing changes in 2025, the deadline has been pushed back from 31 October to 31 January 2025.
BTOM
The plans are part of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), the post-Brexit plan for the UK border. BTOM will require traders to submit S&S declarations that provide advance information on goods entering the UK from the EU – a requirement that already applies to imports from the rest of the world. It aims to improve border security and to prevent the movement of restricted, hazardous or illicit goods.
Since the UK left the EU, a waiver has been in place on the need for importers to submit S&S declarations on EU goods. However, this will now be removed on 31 January 2025.
Opportunity
It’s positive that the S&S declaration waiver withdrawal will not occur until January, as it gives companies more time to modify their processes and become comfortable with the forthcoming changes.
This is an opportunity for businesses to better prepare and learn more about what they need to do to adhere to the requirements.
Before January, I advise companies to take a proactive approach and begin filing voluntary statements to make sure their internal processes run as smoothly as possible when the mandate goes into force.
Requirements
These declarations could be completed by different actors, making it essential that the importer and supplier know who is responsible. You can check who is responsible for submitting the S&S for your goods movement here.
Whichever party submits the declaration, they must be registered either with Security and Safety (S&S GB) service to bring goods into Great Britain, or the Import Control System Northern Ireland (ICS NI) to bring goods into Northern Ireland.
For more information, members can access the Chartered Institute’s BTOM Compliance Toolkit, a checklist of the information required to submit declarations compliantly, here. The full report on import changes in 2025 is also available here.