Entry Summary Declaration : 9 frequently asked questions and answers for ENS ( 2022 )

1.What’s Entry Summary Declaration Meaning?

ENS standards for Entry Summary Declaration, which is required for all inbound cargo into the European Union, regardless of their destination ports.

It’s a European Union’s regulation which will require a transmission of the manifest 24 Hours prior to the loading of European Union Bound vessels.

This regulation came into effect January 1st, 2011 .

Specifically, the requirement is for:

• Import Cargo
• FROB (freight Remain on Board) while the vessel calls at the EU ports.
• Transshipment Cargo for both destinations in and out of the EU.

That is to say,

For every FCL or LCL shipments from China to Europe or transit via Europe,  ENS must be applied.

2.Why ENS Submission needed ？

Failure to comply with this rule can result in the most severe cases,

like suspension of loading and unloading of goods, as well as disruption of the flow of goods and supply chain.

In addition, local customs authorities in EU countries will impose fines or other penalties on carriers and importers.

After receiving ens, EU customs will conduct safety risk assessment on the goods according to the agreed EU General specifications.

After the successful delivery of ENs, the customs will conduct safety analysis on the goods and inform the shipping company electronically whether there is any risk in the goods.

If it is decided that there is a certain risk in the goods, the European Union customs will notify the following results in electronic form:

• Risk type A: do not load message – DNL;
• Risk type B: inspection at port of entry (the first port of call in the EU);
• Risk type C: inspection at port of discharge

EU customs has the right to send “do not load” instruction to any one ticket of goods at risk 24 ours early before shipment.

And the goods are not allowed to be shipped once receiving the instruction ,

otherwise, it will cause the risk that the destination port is not allowed to unload the cargo or even hold the cargo for a long time.

3.Who must lodge the Entry Summary Declaration ?

The ENS is lodged by the shipping carrier based on the required information provided by the importer.

4.When must ENS be lodged ?

Similar to the US / Canadian / ( AMS / ACI ) , the ENS must be lodged 24 hours prior to the vessels’ loading (a vessel which will call at a EU port directly). .

5.How to lodge the ENS ?

The import company must submit the entry summary declaration form (ENS) to the first port of discharge that container vessel stay at EU countries,

meanwhile, it must submitted 24 hours before the loading at the port of departure.

6.Which Data is included in th ENS ?

The information required for the submission of ENS will be substantially the same as the existing B / L confirmations. The difference is that ENS requires higher accuracy in address, description of goods and any number provided.

Special attention shall be paid to the following:

• Shipper (EORI number where available; Full company name, detailed address, telephone fax, country, city and zip code are required )
• Consignee (EORI number where available; Full company name, detailed address, telephone fax, country, city and zip code are required )
• Notify Party (mandatory for To Order on B/L. The notify party must be in Europe)
• Goods description
• 4 digit HS code, but 6 digit HS Code is recommended
• Code for the type of packages
• Number of packages
• Shipping marks for packaged goods (not necessary for containerized goods)
• Container number
• Seal number
• Gross mass (in kilograms)
• UN code for dangerous goods
• Transport charges method of payment code (e.g. payment in cash, payment by credit card, payment by check, electronic credit transfer, account holder with carrier, not pre-paid).

7.How much of ens charges in shipping line ?

For every ocean shipments from China to Europe Union countries, ENS cost $ 25-35 / BL will be imposed.

8.Can amendments allowed when ENS lodged ?

Yes, amendments are allowed , but might be rejected by the Customs Authorities and should be handled case by case.

And additional costs will be imposed for amendments.

9.Is a House B/L required for ENS ?

Unlike the AMS requirements to the US / Canadian Customs, a House b/l is not required. The Master b/l filed by the carrier is enough, even if the Shipper and CNEE are the Freight Forwarder.