Members are advised that the Freight Engagement & Data Acquisition Team (FEDAT) is continuing its compliance activity regarding the use of unacceptable and generic goods descriptions in Entry Summary (ENS) declarations submitted to S&S GB.
Members involved in the submission of ENS declarations should review the below guidance and the attached document to ensure that goods descriptions are clear and accurate. Failure to meet the required standards may result in compliance action, including warning letters and customs civil penalties.
The Freight Engagement & Data Acquisition Team (FEDAT) will be continuing its activity to address the use of generic goods descriptions within the Entry Summary (ENS) declaration submitted into S&S GB. Further guidance on the correct completion of the goods description field can be found at Making an Entry Summary Declaration – GOV.UK
In summary – Guidance on correct completion:
• This is a plain language description precise enough for customs to be able to identify the goods without reference to other documents/materials.
• General terms such as “consolidated”, “general cargo”, “parts” or “miscellaneous” should not be provided.
• Providing an inaccurate or general description of the goods may lead to unnecessary delays, such as physical examinations of goods to ascertain their real nature.
• Please refer to the ‘Unacceptable Goods Description’ tab in the guidance for examples of terms that should not be used: Entry summary declaration data elements for the S&S GB service
• If the link is not accessible or does not function correctly, please refer to the attached document instead.
• The tariff chapter heading should not be used as a substitute for a plain language goods description.
• The description must be in English.
Liability:
• Legal responsibility for submitting an Entry Summary (ENS) declaration sits with the operator of the active means of transport at the border.
• Legal responsibility for the accuracy of the Entry Summary (ENS) declaration generally resides with the party that submits the ENS declaration.
• Where the declaration is submitted by a third party intermediary, we strongly recommend that you work together to ensure correctness.
Further action:
• Failure to demonstrate the correct completion of the goods description field may result in steps being taken towards improvements.
• Further action may include Warning Letters and Customs Civil Penalty.
If errors are identified, FEDAT will look to take necessary compliance steps to ensure the accuracy of goods descriptions within safety and security declarations.
Should you have any questions around the requirement or specific challenges around meeting the requirement, please contact FEDAT via SafetyAndSecurity@homeoffice.gov.uk.
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