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As of the 1st of July 2022, several changes to exit summary declarations (EXS) requirements will take effect. 

While an EXS is no longer needed in most cases, there are still instances where they are legally required. 

Here is what you need to know about EXS requirements:

When is an EXS required?

Where previously you would have needed an EXS if you had:

  1. an empty pallet, container or vehicle is being moved under a transport contract, including empty reusable packaging such as stillages and roll-cages
  2. goods have remained in temporary storage for more than 14 days
  3. goods have remained in temporary storage for less than 14 days, but the import safety and security declaration details are unknown, or the destination or consignee has changed
  4. goods are moved under transit using either a transit accompanying document (TAD), a transit security accompanying document (TSAD) or a transport internationaux routiers (TIR) Carnet document

As of July 1st 2022, empty pallets, containers or vehicles moved under a transport contract no longer require an EXS. 

When is an EXS not required?

While the majority of the aforementioned rules still apply, exports classified as empty pallets, containers or vehicles being moved under a transport contract (see no.1 above) no longer require a safety and security export declaration.  

According to the UK Gov, other exports which do not require a declaration include: 

  • outbound inter-port transhipments, meaning goods that are transhipped and then leave through a different port, provided they are put into transit within 14 days of arrival and are moved under a single transport contract — the import safety and security declaration, or entry summary (ENS) declaration, must still be available and accurate
  • electrical energy
  • goods leaving by pipeline
  • goods contained in a travellers’ personal baggage
  • goods covered by ATA or CPD carnets

Who is responsible for submitting exit summary declarations?

The operator of the active means of transport, (for example, the vessel, aircraft, train or road vehicle) has the legal responsibility to make sure the UK customs authority is provided with pre-departure safety and security information. This could be a:

  • haulier for accompanied movements
  • carrier for unaccompanied movements

While the rules have changed, many hauliers and carriers may still find themselves needing to complete an exit summary declaration. 

How CustomsLink can help 

Through the CustomsLink platform, you can complete and submit your own online EXS in just minutes. 

Alternatively, we can do this for you. Simply send us your export documents and we will sort the rest. 

Get in touch with one of our EXS experts today. 

(EXS is not required in all circumstances. It is your responsibility to check whether your goods meet the requirements.)

For more information on exit summary declarations, see the official UK Gov guide to exit summary declarations