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.

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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

Turkey’s Carbon Pricing Scheme: Implications for Global Shipping and Logistics

In a significant move towards environmental responsibility, the Turkish government is advancing its carbon pricing scheme, a measure comparable to the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (ETS). This development stands to reshape global shipping routes and logistics strategies, particularly for those shipowners previously leveraging Turkish ports to evade EU tariffs.

Understanding the ETS and Its Impact

The EU ETS imposes a 50% tax on emissions from non-European vessels docking at EU ports. Traditionally, vessels traveling from Asia could make strategic transshipment stops in Turkey to avoid this fee. Ports like Asyaport and Aliaga have seen substantial increases in container throughput, partly due to such tactics. In Q1 alone, Asyaport experienced a 50.9% surge in traffic, while Aliaga and Izmir saw increases of 33% and 24%, respectively.

Turkey’s Carbon Pricing Scheme

Turkey’s proposed carbon pricing scheme aims to eliminate this loophole, potentially bringing 10 million tonnes of annual CO2 emissions under regulation. If President Erdoğan approves the plan, it will align Turkey’s emissions regulations more closely with those of the EU, reinforcing Turkey’s commitment to its relationship with one of its largest trading partners. The EU accounted for €96 billion in Turkish exports, highlighting the economic interdependence between the two regions.

Strategic Implications for Shipowners

The introduction of Turkey’s carbon pricing scheme will force shipowners to reconsider their logistics strategies. The era of using Turkish ports as a tactical stop to dodge ETS fees might soon end, pushing the industry towards more sustainable practices. Moreover, ports within 300 nautical miles of EU waters, like Tangier Med, and even those slightly further away, such as Port Said in Egypt, are also affected by these regulatory changes.

The Bigger Picture: Climate Commitment and Economic Trade-offs

Turkey’s move is a testament to its commitment to combating climate change and aligning with EU standards. This shift underscores the growing importance of environmental considerations in global trade. As Alparslan Bayraktor, Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, stated, “The emissions trading system is one of the most important tools in the fight against climate change.”

Preparing for the Future

For logistics professionals and shipping companies, adapting to these regulatory changes will be crucial. Strategic planning and a keen understanding of evolving regulations will be essential to mitigate risks and leverage new opportunities. Companies will need to innovate and adopt more sustainable practices to stay competitive in this rapidly changing landscape.

Partnering with Future Forwarding

As the global shipping industry navigates these changes, Future Forwarding is here to help you adapt and thrive. Our expertise in logistics and compliance ensures that your operations remain efficient and aligned with international regulations. Partner with Future Forwarding to stay ahead of the curve and drive your business forward in a sustainable, compliant, and cost-effective manner. Get in touch to learn more about our services and how we can support your logistics needs in this evolving regulatory environment.

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