What is the GVMS and where is it used?
The goods vehicle movement service (GVMS) is an IT platform of the UK government for moving goods into or out of Northern Ireland and Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales). UK border locations have the option to control the movement of goods using either an inventory system or the GVMS. Involved ports can also manage a mixed-mode approach where both the temporary storage model (inventory-linked) and pre-lodgement model (GVMS) are operating within one border location.
What is a GMR and why do you need it?
Since January 1, 2022, it is mandatory to use GVMS as part of the customs clearance process for goods that move through a port in the UK that uses this service (either exclusively or in the mixed-model approach). Ports using GVMS require pre-lodged customs declaration references to be linked together within a single goods movement reference (GMR). The GMR consolidates multiple declaration reference numbers into a single goods movement reference with the aim to accelerate the customs clearance of goods. It is important to note that you will not be able to move goods without a GMR through UK border locations that use the goods vehicle movement service – and you may face delays at the port.
Common errors and tips for GVMS and GMR compliance
UK customs requirements were launched in a phased approach since the UK officially left the EU in January 2021. It’s not been an easy transition for companies moving goods to and from the EU across UK borders. Full customs controls apply since January 1, 2022, and businesses still struggle to efficiently manage their import, export, and transit declarations. Some companies particularly struggle to master the new GVMS and GMR requirements that now form an integral part of the UK customs process. The UK government has released various guidance documents and useful tips based on common user errors thus far to support traders, carriers, and hauliers. The following points may help you to ensure compliance and avoid delays:
Customs declaration ID does not exist
The customs declaration ID has already been used in another GMR
Vehicle ID provided does not match the GMR ID
Trailer ID provided does not match the GMR ID
This type of declaration cannot be used for this direction of travel
Do Not Proceed – The GMR ID is not ready for entry to the port
The GMR ID is already checked in with HMRC
The GMR ID could not be found at HMRC
No GMR has been presented to the Carrier