GB Safety & Security: Navigating the Post-Brexit Compliance Landscape

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Understanding the role of HMRC in UK Customs

In the wake of Brexit, the UK's departure from the European Union (EU) necessitated the development of new regulatory frameworks to manage the flow of goods across its borders. One of the most critical of these frameworks is the GB Safety & Security (GB S&S) system, also known as GB ICS or S&S GB. This system is the UK's post-Brexit equivalent of the EU's Import Control System (ICS), designed to manage safety and security risks associated with the movement of goods. The GB S&S system plays a crucial role in ensuring that the UK remains secure from threats such as illicit goods or dangerous items like explosives. It does so by requiring detailed, pre-arrival cargo information for all modes of transport entering the UK. 

While GB S&S mirrors the EU's ICS in many respects, there are notable differences. Unlike the EU's ICS2 system, which includes both Pre-Arrival and Pre-Loading filing requirements for air cargo, GB S&S is focused solely on Pre-Arrival filings. Additionally, the GB S&S system does not include a Request for Information (RFI) process, does not require any dual filing nor requires HS code. This system was implemented to enable the UK to conduct safety and security risk assessments based on the advanced cargo data provided by importers and carriers. 

The significance of the GB S&S system has increased as the UK moves to fully implement its post-Brexit regulatory regime. When the system was first introduced, the UK government issued a waiver for goods arriving from the EU to mitigate the potential disruptions and additional burdens on trade resulting from Brexit. This waiver allowed for a transition period during which businesses could adapt to the new regulatory requirements without immediately facing the full weight of compliance obligations. 

However, this transitional waiver is set to expire on January 31, 2025. From this date onwards, all goods entering the UK from the EU must be preceded by a GB S&S Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) filing. This marks a significant shift for businesses involved in cross-border trade between the EU and the UK, particularly for those that may not have been required to submit such filings under the previous regime. The expiration of the waiver represents the final step in the UK's transition to its independent customs and regulatory framework post-Brexit, and it underscores the need for businesses to be fully prepared to meet these new requirements. 

The introduction of the GB S&S system and the impending expiration of the EU waiver will have widespread implications for a range of stakeholders involved in the transportation and logistics sectors. The primary groups likely to be affected include: 

1. Short Sea Maritime Carriers: Shipping goods from the EU to the UK, these carriers will need to ensure that they are fully compliant with the GB S&S filing requirements. This may involve significant changes to their current processes and systems, especially for those who have not previously needed to submit similar filings.
   
   
2. Deep Sea Carriers: While deep-sea carriers already filing for shipments from non-EU countries may find the transition to GB S&S more manageable, they will still need to extend their compliance efforts to cover goods loaded in the EU. This could require additional resources and adjustments to existing procedures. 
   
   
3. Hauliers: Hauliers transporting goods by road from the EU to the UK will also need to comply with the GB S&S requirements. This group faces unique challenges, particularly if they do not have the necessary data or systems in place to lodge the required filings. 
   
   
4. Freight Forwarders: Companies responsible for arranging the transportation of goods to the UK from the EU must ensure that all necessary GB S&S filings are completed accurately and on time. This will be especially important for those managing large volumes of shipments or complex logistics chains.
   
   
5. Air Carriers: EU-based air carriers shipping goods to the UK must adjust their filing processes to align with the GB S&S requirements. Those who have not previously been involved in non-EU to UK shipments may need to develop new systems or partner with service providers to meet these obligations. 

The transition to GB S&S compliance presents several challenges for businesses involved in the movement of goods from the EU to the UK. These challenges primarily revolve around data management, system readiness, and the need for seamless integration with existing logistics and customs processes. 

• Data Availability: One of the key challenges is ensuring that the necessary data is available and accurate for GB S&S filings. Hauliers and short sea carriers may struggle to obtain the detailed cargo information required for these filings, especially if they are not accustomed to dealing with such requirements. 
  
  
• System Readiness: Not all carriers and logistics providers have the systems in place to manage GB S&S filings. Implementing new systems or upgrading existing ones to handle these filings can be time-consuming and costly, particularly for smaller businesses or those with limited IT resources. 
  
  
• Process Integration: For businesses that are already managing multiple customs and regulatory compliance processes, integrating GB S&S filings into their existing workflows can be complex. This is especially true for companies that operate across multiple jurisdictions and must comply with different regulatory regimes. 
  
  
• Regulatory Knowledge: The evolving nature of post-Brexit regulations requires businesses to stay up to date with the latest requirements and ensure that they are fully compliant. This can be particularly challenging for companies that operate across multiple markets and must navigate varying regulations.

Despite the challenges associated with GB S&S compliance, there are solutions available to help businesses meet these new requirements efficiently and effectively. One of the most effective solutions is leveraging specialised software platforms like Descartes' Global Safety Filing (GSF) solution. 

• Existing Connectivity: Descartes' GSF platform offers existing connectivity to the GB S&S system, enabling businesses to streamline their compliance processes. This connectivity ensures that businesses can submit their filings quickly and accurately, reducing the risk of non-compliance. 
  
  
• SaaS Solution: The GSF platform is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution, meaning that it is accessible via the cloud and does not require significant upfront investment in hardware or software. This makes it an ideal solution for businesses of all sizes, particularly those looking for a cost-effective way to manage their compliance obligations. 
  
  
• UI and Integration Support: Descartes' GSF platform supports both user interface (UI) and integration via the Global Logistics Network (GLN), allowing businesses to choose the method that best suits their needs. Whether they prefer a manual or automated approach to filings, the platform can accommodate their requirements. 

For those requiring integration with their Customs declarations then Descartes Customs solutions also remains an option.

Using the existing Descartes Customs systems means that businesses can turn a Customs Declaration Service (CDS) Import Declaration or Irish Export declaration into a GB S&S filing with minimal disruption to their existing processes. This seamless integration helps to reduce the complexity of compliance and ensures that businesses can meet their obligations without needing to overhaul their entire logistics operation. For customers using our customs declaration software in the Nordics or Benelux then there is the possibility to push data from the EU export declaration into the GSF platform. 

The Descartes Global Security Filing (GSF) solution offers several key benefits for businesses facing the challenges of GB S&S compliance: 

• Global Experience: Descartes has extensive experience in managing security filings across multiple jurisdictions, including the UK and EU. This global expertise ensures that the GSF platform is well-suited to meet the specific needs of businesses operating in the post-Brexit landscape. 
  
  
• Domain Knowledge: With a strong presence in the UK and EU customs application space, Descartes has the domain knowledge required to navigate the complexities of GB S&S compliance. This knowledge is built into the GSF platform, ensuring that businesses can rely on it to stay compliant with the latest regulations. 
  
  
• Future-Proofing: As regulations continue to evolve, Descartes is committed to keeping its platform up to date with the latest requirements. This ensures that businesses using the GSF solution can remain compliant even as the regulatory landscape changes. 
  
  
• User Flexibility: The GSF and Customs Declaration platform's support for both UI and integration via the GLN means that businesses can choose the filing method that best suits their needs. This flexibility is particularly valuable for companies with diverse operations that require different approaches to compliance. 
  
  
• Cost-Effectiveness: As SaaS solutions, the GSF and Customs Declaration platform offers a cost-effective way to manage GB S&S compliance. Businesses can access the platform without the need for significant upfront investment, making it an attractive option for companies of all sizes. 

With the GB S&S requirements set to become mandatory for imports from the EU on January 31, 2025, it is crucial for businesses to begin preparing now. This preparation should include: 

• Assessing Current Systems: Businesses should assess their current systems and processes to determine whether they are capable of handling GB S&S filings. If not, they should consider implementing a solution like Descartes' GSF platform to ensure compliance.
  
  
• Training Staff: Staff involved in logistics, customs, and compliance should be trained on the new GB S&S requirements and how to use the relevant systems. This will help to ensure that filings are completed accurately and on time. 
  
  
• Partnering with Experts: For businesses that are unsure of how to navigate the complexities of GB S&S compliance, partnering with experts like Descartes can provide valuable guidance and support. 
  
  
• Monitoring Regulatory Changes: The regulatory landscape is constantly evolving, particularly in the wake of Brexit. Businesses should monitor these changes closely to ensure that they remain compliant with the latest requirements. 

The introduction of the GB Safety & Security system marks a significant milestone in the UK's post-Brexit regulatory landscape. As the transitional waiver for EU goods comes to an end on January 31, 2025, businesses must be prepared to meet the new compliance requirements.