On February 19, 2019, the United Kingdom’s (UK’s) HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) published a notification indicating they will phase in the requirement for carriers to file pre-arrival entry summary declarations (ENS declarations) for six months. According to a HMRC announcement, the phase in will allow carriers the opportunity to prepare in the event of the UK leaving the European Union (EU) without an agreed Withdrawal Agreement on March 29, 2019.

This measure will not apply to imports from third-party countries. The status quo regarding the requirement to file the pre-arrival entry summary declaration for these imports will remain unchanged.

The EU Commission has not provided any indication as to whether or not they are considering a reciprocal arrangement for shipments arriving from the UK after March 29, 2019.

The HMRC notice may be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hmrc-outlines-phased-approach-for-entry-summary-declarations