What is ENS - the Entry Summary Declatation ? An icon for our article of what ENS is what it contains and who should prepare it. Learn more about the Entry Summary Declaration.

Entry Summary Declaration – ENS

What is ENS - the Entry Summary Declatation ? An icon for our article of what ENS is what it contains and who should prepare it. Learn more about the Entry Summary Declaration.

What is the Entry Summary Declaration – ENS?

Prior to moving goods into the European Union’s customs territory an Entry Summary Declaration must be submitted by the carrier (the company moving the goods – e.g. the shipping line, the airline, the truck or rail operator) or his representative.

The ENS contains details related to the upcoming shipment of cargo and its main purpose is to enable the customs authority to conduct a security and safety risk analysis of the incoming cargo.

Non-compliance may result in fines or delays in the customs release of the cargo.

At the time of writing, the ENS is also used and required by the UK customs authority.

Who should submit the Entry Summary Declaration – ENS?

It should be submitted electronically through the ATLAS – EAS system at the first customs office of entry in the European Union.

What should be included in an Entry Summary Declaration?

The information included in an ENS relates to:

  • The vessel/mean of transport carrying the goods.
  • The route used to enter and move through the EU.
  • The persons/companies involved in the transaction (consignor, consignee, carrier, …).
  • Details on the goods being brought into the EU.

When should the ENS be submitted?

The submission deadline varies per mode and origin, for example:

  • Short haul flights – No later than the actual time of departure of the aircraft.
  • Long haul flights – No later than four hours before arrival at the first airport in the customs territory of the Union.
  • Road transport – No later than one hour prior to arrival at the customs office of entry in the customs territory of the Union.
  • Sea containerized cargo shipping – At the latest 24 hours before the goods are loaded at the port of departure.
  • Certain short sea lanes – At the latest two hours prior to arrival of the vessel at the first port in the customs territory of the Union.

Full list of timelines per mode can be found here – zoll.de.


Recommended reading – Customs Classification and harmonized codes

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