Safety & Security Waiver for Imports from EU: Effective January 31, 2025, companies will be required to submit Entry Summary Declarations for all goods entering GB from the EU

On January 31, 2025, the United Kingdom will remove the Safety and Security (S&S) waiver for imports coming from the European Union (EU). This change means that businesses and carriers importing goods into Great Britain (GB) from the EU will be required to submit Safety and Security declarations, commonly referred to as Entry Summary Declarations (ENS).

Key Points to Understand

What is the S&S Waiver?:
- The Safety and Security waiver allowed certain goods entering the UK from the EU to bypass the requirement for Safety and Security declarations. This waiver was part of a transitional arrangement following Brexit, designed to facilitate trade and minimize disruptions during the initial phase of the UK’s exit from the EU.
What Changes with the Removal of the Waiver?:
- Once the waiver is removed, all goods moving into GB from the EU will require an ENS. This includes submitting specific details about the shipment to customs authorities. The ENS is designed to enhance border security by allowing customs to assess potential risks associated with incoming shipments before they arrive in the UK.
What is an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS)?:
- The ENS includes information about the goods being imported, such as the nature of the goods, the consignor and consignee details, and the means of transport. It is a safety and security measure that helps customs authorities identify and mitigate risks associated with incoming cargo.
Compliance Requirements:
- Importers and carriers will need to ensure compliance with the new regulations, which may involve updating their logistics and supply chain processes. This includes providing timely and accurate information in the ENS to avoid potential delays, fines, or penalties.
Impact on Trade:
- The removal of the S&S waiver is significant for businesses engaged in trade between the EU and the UK. It may lead to increased administrative burdens and operational changes, as companies will now need to allocate resources to handle the ENS submissions.
Timeline for Implementation:
- As businesses prepare for the new requirements, they have a window until January 31, 2025, to adapt their processes. This preparation period allows companies to set up necessary systems, train staff, and ensure they understand the new compliance landscape.

The removal of the Safety and Security waiver for EU imports represents a key change in the regulatory landscape for businesses trading with the UK. Effective January 31, 2025, companies will be required to submit Entry Summary Declarations for all goods entering GB from the EU. Organizations should begin taking proactive steps to prepare for this change, ensuring that they understand the requirements and have the necessary systems in place to comply with the updated rules. This transition will be critical for maintaining a smooth and efficient flow of goods across the border while ensuring safety and security in the import process.

Safety-and-Security-one-pager Download

Safety-and-Security-GB-Dataset Download

Trump Backs Dockworkers in Automation Dispute as Port Contract Deadline Looms

The ongoing contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have taken a new turn with President-elect Donald Trump’s recent involvement. On December 12, 2024, Trump met with ILA leadership, including President Harold Daggett, and expressed strong support for the union’s stance against port automation.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “I’ve studied automation, and know just about everything there is to know about it. The amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers, in this case, our Longshoremen.” This statement aligns closely with the ILA’s position, which has been a major sticking point in negotiations with USMX.

The meeting comes at a critical time, as the current contract extension is set to expire on January 15, 2025, just five days before Trump’s second inauguration. This deadline was established after a three-day strike in October 2024, which was partially resolved with the help of the Biden administration.

Negotiations At Impasse Over Automation

In early October after a brief walkout, ILA members agreed to a 62% pay increase over the six-year agreement’s lifetime, but left the automation issue unsettled.

In November, the employers and ILA scheduled four days of contract talks. Those talks abruptly broke down after only two days over the issue of automation. The ILA reported that negotiations ended when management introduced their intent to implement semi-automation, which the union views as a direct contradiction to earlier assurances. The union fears that even the slightest concession to semi-automation is a stepping stone to full automation, potentially leading to significant job losses..

USMX, on the other hand, argues that modernization is essential for improving worker safety, boosting port efficiency, and increasing capacity. They claim that greater port capacity would lead to more goods being moved, ultimately resulting in higher compensation for ILA members.

East Coast and Gulf TEU Figures

The stakes are high, given the significant volume of cargo handled by east and gulf coast ports. In 2023, the world’s top 20 ports, including several on the U.S. east coast, handled a cumulative traffic of 387.5 million TEUs, up 1.24% from the previous year. Specifically, during the first seven months of 2024, those ports handled 50.8% of total imports measured in TEU through the country’s top 10 ports.

Any interruption in January ahead of the two-fold rush of cargo leaving Asia both in advance of Lunar New Year closures and to potentially beat any additional tariffs the administration might seek to impose would likely both lead to congestion and higher rates for vessels bound for west coast ports as well as delays in unloading cargo on services that are only calling on the eastern seaboard or gulf.

What’s Next With Less Than A Month Remaining?

USMX has responded to Trump’s comments with a statement emphasizing their shared goal of protecting American jobs while also stressing the need for modernization to maintain competitiveness.

Trump’s support for the ILA could influence the negotiations, potentially emboldening the union in its stance against automation. However, it remains to be seen how this will play out in practical terms, especially given the complex economic and technological factors at play.

Future Forwarding continues to monitor these negotiations closely. With Savannah just up the road from our U.S. headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, we are attuned to the situation and are working with individual customers on contingency plans that include alternate ports of call, transshipment of urgent cargo and, if necessary, air freight options. If you have any questions, contact your Future Forwarding representative or schedule a call with a member of our sales team to explore your shipping options.

Shipping Industry Faces 30% Capacity Cut in Week 51, Raising Concerns for Global Trade

December 16, 2024

As the shipping industry enters Week 51, reports indicate a dramatic capacity cut of nearly 30% in shipping operations, a development that could have significant implications for global trade and logistics. This reduction in shipping capacity comes at a time when businesses are already grappling with ongoing supply chain challenges and escalating freight costs.

Rising Freight Rates and Delays Ahead

Industry experts warn that the capacity cut is likely to result in increased freight rates, with many shipping lines expected to implement General Rate Increases (GRIs) by the end of December. This rise in shipping costs could strain budgets for businesses reliant on timely deliveries of goods.

In addition to rising costs, shipping delays are anticipated as the reduced number of vessels and limited container availability may lead to longer transit times. Companies relying on just-in-time (JIT) inventory strategies might find themselves particularly challenged, struggling to meet customer demands amid the ongoing disruptions.

Supply Chain Strain

The repercussions of the capacity cut extend beyond freight rates and delays. Organizations may face significant strain on their supply chains as sourcing materials could become increasingly difficult. Experts advise businesses to assess their supply chain resilience and explore diversified logistics solutions to mitigate potential risks stemming from these constraints.

Strategic Adjustments Recommended

In light of these challenges, we recommend several strategies for businesses looking to navigate the evolving shipping landscape:

Early Booking and Planning: Businesses are encouraged to book shipments with us as early as possible to secure space and avoid potential disruptions from the reduced vessel availability.
Monitoring Market Trends: Keeping informed about changing freight rates and other market dynamics is essential for making informed logistics decisions. Please contact us at Future Forwarding for more information on how we can assist you through the changes.
Enhanced Communication with Suppliers: Keeping open lines of communication with your suppliers is crucial. Ensuring that suppliers understand shipping challenges can lead to better coordination and management of delivery expectations.
Exploring Alternative Shipping Options: Companies may want to consider alternative shipping methods, such as air freight or overland transport, which could offer reliability amidst capacity constraints, though potentially at higher costs.

As Week 51 approaches, the shipping industry’s nearly 30% capacity cut signals a turbulent period for businesses worldwide. While the implications of this situation are concerning, proactive planning and strategic adjustments can help mitigate its effects. By adapting logistics strategies and fostering collaboration with suppliers, businesses can better navigate these challenging times while maintaining supply chain efficiency.

CDS Guidance For Shippers: Update 4.6.1 Saturday 14th December 2024

The Customs Declaration Service (CDS) is continuing to evolve, with new guidance provided for shippers handling import and export declarations.

A CDS update is scheduled on 14th December 2024, during which the system will be unavailable from 21:30 to 23:30.

Key updates include requirements to align declaration submissions with specific document codes, reasons, and status codes as outlined in CDS guidelines. Missing or incorrect entries could result in rejections of declarations.

These updates will further align the system with international trade agreements and regulatory adjustments

Preparing for CDS Updates

To ensure smooth processing:

Pre-lodge declarations for shipments arriving on or after 16th December 2024, following the shared guidance to prevent rejections.
Verify that document codes, reasons, and status codes are completed accurately in alignment with CDS guidelines.

Resources and Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/business-and-industry/customs-declarations-duties-tariffs

For more detailed guidance, you can refer to the official HMRC resources or freight associations like the British International Freight Association (BIFA) or contact our Customs Team for advice customs@ukffcl.com

Future Forwarding UK: Moving Forward

Future Forwarding UK has made key moves across three locations—Leeds, Manchester, and Glasgow—in 2024 to support its expansion plans and improve its services:

Manchester Operations: Over the weekend of 7th December we relocated our Manchester Branch to new offices in Wythenshawe where we continue to operate a significant branch in Manchester, a vital hub for our freight forwarding services. Alongside the new developments in Leeds and Glasgow, the Manchester branch plays a key role in supporting clients in the north of England and beyond.

Headquarters Relocation to Leeds: In October 2024, we relocated our head office from Batley to a modern facility at Turnberry Business Park, Leeds. The new site offers increased space, advanced technologies, and energy-efficient systems to enhance operations and sustainability. This move underlines the company’s commitment to growth and providing excellent customer service.

Expansion into Glasgow: Earlier in 2024, our first Scottish facility opened in Rutherglen, Glasgow. This expansion brings the company’s expertise to Scotland, offering connectivity across air, road, and sea transport. The Glasgow office is led by a team of experienced regional directors, focusing on bespoke logistics solutions and strengthening ties with local and international markets.

These strategic initiatives emphasize Future Forwarding’s dedication to scaling up its infrastructure, enhancing service delivery, and expanding its reach across the UK and beyond

Month: December 2024