Stop words/phrases are being introduced in the Common Repository as part of the initiative to improve ENS data quality. They are being applied for all ICS2 countries and all filing types.

Below is an updated list of stop words published by the EU. As a reminder, a stop word used in isolation in the goods description will result in the declaration being rejected.

List of stop words (December 2025).pdf



You will need a Carnet. Check out our How To Use an ATA Carnet guide.



That depends on whether you are importing or exporting, and which country you are importing to/exporting from.

For GB & IE imports and exports, get in touch with one of our customs experts today. 



A Safety & Security Declaration (SSD) or Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) is used by border authorities to analyse the potential risk caused to their territory by goods crossing their border. It is not about the duties and taxes.

Find out more about SSD (ENS)



A transport contract is an agreement between two parties for the movement of goods from one place to another, whether it is written or verbal agreement.

It normally involves a carrier (the person or company transporting the goods) but could include hire vehicles and a shipper (the person or company sending the goods).

For accompanied loads

  • OWN GOODS + OWN VEHICLE = NO TRANSPORT CONTRACT
  • OWN GOODS + HIRE VEHICLE = TRANSPORT CONTRACT
  • OTHER PERSONS GOODS + OWN VEHICLE = TRANSPORT CONTRACT
  • OTHER PERSONS GOODS + HIRE VEHICLE = TRANSPORT CONTRACT

For unaccompanied loads

  • OWN GOODS + OWN VEHICLE = TRANSPORT CONTRACT (due to the ferry being the active means of transport)
  • OWN GOODS + HIRE VEHICLE = TRANSPORT CONTRACT
  • OTHER PERSONS GOODS + OWN VEHICLE = TRANSPORT CONTRACT
  • OTHER PERSONS GOODS + HIRE VEHICLE = TRANSPORT CONTRACT

Examples for ATA Carnets and Oral Declaration accompanied movements

ATA Carnet

No ENS Needed - If you are using an ATA Carnet for temporary admission of goods and you are not moving the goods under a transport contract (for example, you are personally accompanying your own goods or driving your own vehicle), an ENS is not required.

ENS Required - If the goods covered by an ATA Carnet are moved under a transport contract - you have engaged a commercial carrier, haulier, or shipping company (whether by written or verbal agreement) to transport the goods for you - then an ENS must be lodged.

Oral Declaration - e.g. empty pallets/trailers

No ENS Needed - Oral declarations at the border (or declarations by conduct, e.g. empty pallets) if the goods are NOT being moved under a transport contract. This means you are transporting your own goods yourself.

ENS Required - If the goods are being carried by a transport company (i.e. under a transport contract), even if they otherwise qualify for oral or by conduct declaration. You must submit an ENS declaration in these case.

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