What is a S&S GB ENS?
S&S GB (Safety & Security Great Britain) is the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) service for goods imported into Great Britain from the EU and RoW.
This is now a legal requirement ⚠️ Without the correct customs declaration you will not be able to travel and may face penalties.
What is an Entry Summary Declaration?
An Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) must be submitted by the haulier and is used by GB border authorities to analyse the potential risk caused to their territory by goods crossing their border. It is not about the duties and taxes.
What You Will Need to Submit for S&S GB
- Consignor name & address (EORI number, if held)
- Consignee name & address (EORI number, if held)
- Carrier GB EORI number (for driver accompanied vehicles) (apply for your EORI here)
- Description of goods
- Reference number
- Vehicle Identification Number (for accompanied, IMO (unaccompanied)
- Trailer seal (or ‘no seal’)
- Border entry point (name of port or HMRC location code)
- ETA time and date
- Total no. of packages and weight
- Type of packages
- Any marks and reference numbers
It is highly likely that GB border control will be strictly enforcing these requirements. Anybody not providing the correct declaration will face penalties.
The ENS generator for S&S GB is now available for customers making EU-GB ferry/tunnel bookings.
What is a Port Pass (GMR, PBN, Envelope/ELO)?
Port Passes (known as GMR in GB, PBN in Ireland, Envelope/ELO in France) are created from import and export customs declarations. Without the references (MRNs) from your customs declarations, you will not be able to generate a Port Pass with the relevant authority. This will prevent access to the port and you will not be able to ship.
Otherwise known as pre-lodgement or logistics envelope systems, Port Passes have been introduced by the UK and the EU to do two things -
- Make sure ALL of the customs processes have been completed PRIOR to a vehicle arriving at the port
- Acts as a trigger to update some of the customs procedures, such as the office of Transit, which lets customs authorities know the goods have left one customs territory and have entered another
Port Pass Systems
- GREAT BRITAIN & NORTHERN IRELAND - GMR
- REPUBLIC OF IRELAND - PBN
- FRANCE - Envelope/ELO
- NETHERLANDS - Portbase
- SPAIN - Teleport II*
- BELGIUM - RX Seaport
Along with any Entry Summary Declarations (ENS), all the separate export and import / transit MRN numbers are then entered into the GB and EU port pass systems. If the declarations have been submitted correctly, the entry will be accepted and validated.
Reference Numbers
When accepted, a single reference will be produced. For example, from the GVMS system (GB) and the PBN system (Republic of Ireland). If any of the MRN numbers are invalid, the entry will be rejected and the haulier will need to contact the customer.
These reference numbers are then passed onto the ferry company to complete one last check to make sure the declarations have been completely correctly.
What is Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire (ELO)?
ELO will be introduced for GB⇄FR shipments on 28th April 2025. It will be mandatory from 1st Sept 2025.
Similar to a GMR port pass, an ELO port pass will be used for GB to FR and FR to GB shipments. A mandatory requirement from the 1st of September 2025.
⚠️ELO is the haulier’s responsibility
If you are transporting goods GB ⇄ FR accompanied (inc. empty vehicles) or as unaccompanied freight, you will need an ELO port pass.
When crossing the French border at the check-in stage, drivers are currently expected to answer the questions of the ferry company. Once ELO is introduced, this will no longer be necessary, saving drivers time at the port. The ELO port pass will be used by French authorities to:
- Verify that each declaration has been submitted correctly and has the appropriate status at the border
- Make the pairing process easier and cut down on manual errors
- Make crossing the border simpler
Do I need a Port Pass (GMR, PBN, ELO, Portbase) if I'm moving tools & equipment?
Yes, you’ll need to get a port pass (GMR, PBN, ELO, Portbase) if you’re moving tools and equipment.
What do I need to create a Port Pass (GMR, PBN, ELO, Portbase)?
To create a Port Pass you need the following information -
- Import & export customs document references (import/export MRNs) - use CustomsLink
- Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) reference - find out what you need for an ENS
What is an EORI number and where do I get one?
An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is a compulsory identifier of economic operators for use in export, import, transit and other customs operations.
In other words, an EORI number allows the customs authority to easily identify the party/parties responsible for the goods.
An economic operator (such as the haulier, importer, distributor, manufacturer or authorised representative) may have only one EORI number at any time. This number must be communicated to customs authorities where required.
Please note, all hauliers importing goods into GB will need an EORI number to submit their GB ENS declaration.
Where are my Port Passes (GMR, PBN, ELO, Portbase) I created with the Port Pass Generator?
You will receive your completed port pass (GMR, PBN, ELO, Portbase) references by automated email.
- GMR, PBN, ELO - these are barcodes with a reference number
- Portbase - this is a notification. No barcode is provided
What happens when I request Stena Line to organise my Port Pass (GMR, PBN, ELO, Portbase)?
When you request Stena Line to organise your port pass, we will send you a link to complete the relevant steps required yourself. A port pass cannot be issued until you complete the relevant steps.
What is an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS)?
An ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) is a mandatory customs security document required before goods arrive into the European Union (EU ENS) and United Kingdom (S&S GB ENS). It provides information about the goods to customs authorities for risk analysis and security screening.
Submitted by the haulier, it is used by border authorities to analyse the potential risk caused to their territory by goods crossing their border. It is not about the duties and taxes.
GB to EU imports already need an EU ENS. Entry Summary Declarations on imports into GB from the EU (known as S&S GB) are now a legal requirement.
Find out what you need for S&S GB ENS
Find out what you need for EU ENS (ICS2)
⚠️ Without the correct customs declaration you will not be able to travel and may face penalties.
I paid for a Port Pass (GMR, PBN, ELO, Portbase) but didn't receive anything. Where is it?
Once you have paid for a port pass (GMR, PBN, ELO, Portbase) whilst placing your booking, we will send you a link by email to provide the necessary information. This has to be done by you to complete the process.
I'm travelling between the UK and The Netherlands - where do I find my GMR Port Pass?
When travelling from the UK to The Netherlands, a GMR is not required. Customers only receive a Port Pass to create a Portbase notification.
You only need to use Portbase if you have a NL import.
For T1, T2, or ATA Carnet, Portbase is managed directly by the ports and operators in the Netherlands, not by Freightlink.
For Netherlands > UK, you MUST do the following
- Arrange a GMR - it is mandatory on all NL > UK freight movements (loaded and empty). No GMR = no sailing
- Use the Port Pass link we send you to generate your GMR. You MUST click the link and submit the details to complete the process
- If your vehicle is loaded, you also need to complete the Portbase export notification for the Netherlands side
- Create your GMR before you fill in the ENS - the ENS form for North Sea routes NL > UK asks for the GMR reference. You can’t complete your ENS without it
Do I need a Port Pass (GMR, PBN, ELO) if I'm travelling empty?
Yes, you’ll need to get a port pass (GMR, PBN, ELO) if you’re moving an empty trailer.
What do I need to travel?
All passengers travelling will need to have the following in order to enter the port -
- Booking Reference Number
- Photo ID
- High-visibility vest or jacket
- Any other paperwork relevant to your journey
Any drivers entering port to deliver or collect unaccompanied units will also be denied access to port if they do not have Photo ID and a high-visibility vest or jacket.
Can I ship trade vehicles?
We offer shipment of trade cars and other vehicles on our Irish Sea routes between Belfast and Liverpool. Please be aware of the following -
- Trade cars are shipped on a “first available” basis on the loading officer's discretion. Confirmation for a particular sailing is not a guarantee that this is when the vehicle will be shipped. It may be up to a week after delivery before shipment
- Do not plan to collect a trade vehicle until you have confirmed with us that this vehicle has shipped
- Cars can only be collected or delivered in Belfast 09:00-16:00 Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays)
- Cars can only be delivered in Liverpool 06:00-15:00 Monday-Friday and 06:00-12:00 Saturday. Delivery is unavailable on a Sunday. Collection is available in Liverpool 24 hours a day
- All trade cars must have a valid GMR added to their booking before arriving at port. Cars which are dropped off without a valid GMR will not be accepted.
- All persons delivering or collecting trade vehicles must have photo ID, high-visibility vest or jacket and a booking reference
Is my Stena Line ferry ticket refundable?
Yes, ferry tickets can be refunded if we are notified prior to certain booking deadlines. View late handling cut off times.
Please contact our booking team during business hours and before the cut-off times at stenaline@freight2ferry.com or call +44 (0) 1772 368 221 to make any necessary changes to your booking.
What is classed as non-standard cargo onboard a Stena Line vessel?
Non-standard cargo includes hazardous goods, abnormal loads and human remains. If you are shipping any of these, visit our vehicle dimensions page, contact our booking team at stenaline@freight2ferry.com or call +44 (0) 1772 368 221 for more information.
Can I book a single cabin for my journey?
Cabins can be upgraded at Guest Services onboard the Stena Line vessel (subject to availability). An additional charge will apply.
Can I take pets and animals on Stena Line ferry bookings?
Not all ferry routes allow pets and animals on board. Please contact our booking team at stenaline@freight2ferry.com or call +44 (0) 1772 368 221 for more information.
Please note that shipment of animals including horses can be restricted by weather conditions. The final decision about whether animals will be allowed to travel will come down to the Captain of the vessel.
What is included in the price of my freight ferry booking with Stena Line?
Stena Line freight ferry bookings typically include
- A berth in a shared cabin (where applicable)
- Complimentary meals
- A separate freight drivers lounge onboard
Features vary depending on the ferry route.
Can I travel on the passenger service with my commercial van?
No. Commercial vehicles designed for the purpose of carrying goods for hire and reward or other commercial practices must be booked as freight with Stena Line. You may be fined if you book on a passenger service.
Do I need customs paperwork? What do I need to know?
If you are travelling between the United Kingdom and the European Union, you'll require customs documentation (or customs exemption documents) for your goods and voyage, such as export / transit / import declarations, safety and security declarations, and Port Passes (if applicable).
PLEASE NOTE
The type of customs documentation required depends on a variety of circumstances and may vary across trips. Please double-check with your customs agent or broker at all times.
What is a Port Pass?
Port Passes (known as GMR in the United Kingdom, PBN in Ireland, and Portbase in the Netherlands) are typically generated using reference numbers provided on received customs paperwork. The most typical instances include export/import or transit MRNs, as well as ATA carnets and NATO form 302.
PLEASE NOTE
- Port Passes are also required even for empty vehicles
- Unaccompanied empty vehicles are considered cargo by the Border Agents and are consequently subject to full customs procedures
Without the required reference numbers for customs documents, you will be unable to generate a Port Pass with the relevant authority, preventing admission to the port. Prior to a vehicle's arrival at a port, they ensure all customs procedures have been completed.
The Stena Line Port Pass Generator can help you with these procedures.
Do I need to make a customs declaration if I am travelling with tools?
Yes, you will always be required to present some type of customs documentation. If you are temporarily exporting over £1500 worth of tools from the United Kingdom, you must have an ATA Carnet. Below this threshold, an oral declaration might be permitted.
PLEASE NOTE
Oral declarations are not permitted for travel between the UK and EU across the North Sea. Additionally, obtaining an Irish PBN Port Pass by oral declaration might be rather difficult.