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.



A United Nations (UN) number is a four-digit number which is used to identify a specific hazardous material or article. These article require a licence of shipment.

UN Numbers range from 0004 - 3548 and are the same world wide. To find your good's UN number, check out the full list here.

There is no UN number issued for non-hazardous goods.



CustomsLink (part of the Stena Line group of companies) is a cloud-based software platform and managed solution that enables users to make import and export customs declarations with the added benefit of using the same data to cover other necessary UK-EU port and border processes connected with ferry shipping to/from the UK.

The platform is accessible on smartphone, tablet and desktop and is online 24/7 to provide the solution to your customs clearance headaches. With an easy-to-complete user journey, supported by self-explanatory guides that help you, step by step through the process. Our aim is to ensure your wheels keep turning.

Find out more about CustomsLink



S&S GB (Safety & Security Great Britain) is the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) service for goods imported into Great Britain from the EU and RoW. This is now a legal requirement. Businesses who are ready to start submitting S&S declarations before this date are encouraged to do so. Find out more

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