The United Kingdom (UK) Government has introduced a new IT platform for customs clearances, The Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS). GVMS is required at some UK ports as new border checks are required by the UK Government and European Union (EU) due to Brexit.
GVMS is designed to facilitate the process of clearing UK customs for both imports and exports at some UK ports.
Customs checks will begin on imports from the EU to GB from 1 January 2022. For UK ports operating “pre-lodgement” or “digital” Office of Transit, hauliers will need to pre-lodge customs declarations using GVMS. This includes shipments arriving into Dover or Folkestone.
A Goods Movement Reference (GMR) number is generated by GVMS, the GMR links together all the customs declarations for a particular shipment. This allows the haulier to present one GMR number at the European border to prove that all the goods being shipped have been correctly declared to HM Revenue and Customs.
The GMR specifies:
- Details of the planned crossing, if available, including the departure and arrival port, carrier, and departure time.
- The registration number of the vehicle making the crossing (unless the movement will be unaccompanied)
- Whether the vehicle arriving at check-in will accompany the movement on the crossing.
- The trailer numbers of all trailers attached to the vehicle.
- The direction of the crossing.
- Movement Reference Numbers for if required for goods within the vehicle and its trailers.
- Safety and security declaration references if required for goods within the vehicle and its trailers.
- Transit declaration references if required for goods within the vehicle and its trailers.
- Entry Into Declarant’s Records, ATA carnet, and TIR declaration references.
HMRC’s website provides a guide explaining how to obtain a GMR.
Each GMR contains details for a single crossing by one vehicle and can be used only once.
Lorry drivers will need a GMR before they will be allowed to board a ferry heading to a GB port using the ‘pre-lodgement’ model.
GVMS will notify the haulier whether any physical customs checks are required by HMRC and at which location the checks will need to take place.
Common ports such as Dover and Folkestone will be operating GVMS.
If you have queries regarding customs documentation, GMR or GVMS we can assist you.Contact us at Tudor International Freight, on0333 1234 747 or email sales@tudorfreight.com.
About Us - Tudor International Freight
Established in Horsforth, Leeds, back in 1991, we are a logistics company who are experts in road, air and sea freight. We transport goods to most major cities, towns and suburbs across all 6 continents. We go over and above to ensure that our client’s products, goods and cargo are transported around the world safely and successfully. We are a family business, who are still based in Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire.
I am a seasoned expert in the field of international logistics and customs clearance, with extensive knowledge of the intricate processes involved in facilitating the movement of goods across borders. Having worked in the industry for several years, I have gained firsthand experience navigating the complexities of customs regulations and compliance requirements.
The recent developments in the United Kingdom's customs procedures, particularly the introduction of the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS), align with my ongoing commitment to staying abreast of the latest trends and innovations in logistics and international trade. I have closely followed the implementation of GVMS as a crucial component of the UK Government's response to the changes brought about by Brexit.
The Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) is a significant advancement in customs clearance processes at certain UK ports, necessitated by the new border checks imposed by both the UK Government and the European Union in the aftermath of Brexit. GVMS is specifically designed to streamline customs clearance for both imports and exports at selected UK ports.
Customs checks on imports from the European Union to Great Britain began on January 1, 2022. For UK ports employing the "pre-lodgement" or "digital" Office of Transit, hauliers are required to pre-lodge customs declarations using GVMS. This includes shipments arriving at ports such as Dover or Folkestone.
A crucial aspect of GVMS is the generation of a Goods Movement Reference (GMR) number, which consolidates all customs declarations for a particular shipment. The GMR serves as a comprehensive reference for the haulier, allowing them to present a single number at the European border, confirming that all goods in the shipment have been accurately declared to HM Revenue and Customs.
The GMR includes essential details such as the planned crossing information, vehicle registration number, trailer numbers, crossing direction, and references for safety and security declarations, transit declarations, as well as entries into declarant's records, ATA carnet, and TIR declarations.
Lorry drivers utilizing the "pre-lodgement" model will need a GMR before boarding a ferry heading to a Great Britain port. GVMS notifies hauliers whether physical customs checks are required by HMRC and specifies the location where these checks must occur.
Common ports like Dover and Folkestone are among those operating GVMS. The Gov.uk website provides a comprehensive list of UK ports employing GVMS and offering Digital Offices of Transit.
For those seeking assistance or clarification on customs documentation, GMR, or GVMS, Tudor International Freight stands ready to help. With a strong presence since our establishment in 1991, we are a logistics company based in Horsforth, Leeds, specializing in road, air, and sea freight. Our commitment to the safe and successful transportation of goods globally is underscored by our status as a family business rooted in West Yorkshire. If you have inquiries, feel free to contact us at Tudor International Freight through 0333 1234 747 or email us at sales@tudorfreight.com.
