GVMS? GMR?

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

Customer needs to check they have the correct declaration reference for the type of movement.

The customs declaration ID has already been used in another GMR

Customer needs to check they have the correct declaration reference and the reference provided is unique for that movement.

Vehicle ID provided does not match the GMR ID

The vehicle registration does not match the vehicle registration on the GMR. You will need to update your GMR to show the correct vehicle registration.

Trailer ID provided does not match the GMR ID

The trailer ID does not match the trailer identifier on the GMR. You will need to update your GMR to show the correct trailer ID.

This type of declaration cannot be used for this direction of travel

Check the correct direction of travel and type of declaration have been selected.

Do Not Proceed – The GMR ID is not ready for entry to the port

The GMR is not in the correct status to be checked in. You will need to update your GMR before returning to the Port

The GMR ID is already checked in with HMRC

The GMR has already been checked in. It cannot be re-used. You will need to update your GMR with a new GMR before returning to the Port.

The GMR ID could not be found at HMRC

The GMR is not found on the GVMS. You will need to check the information provided to your carrier is correct.

No GMR has been presented to the Carrier

You cannot board the vessel without a GMR. You will need to contact your Haulage company and ask for a copy of the GMR.