Guidance
Check how to move goods through ports that use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service
If you’re a trader, haulier or carrier and use a UK port using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service, find out what you need to do to get goods through customs.
From 1 January 2021 you need a goods movement reference to move goods from:
- the EU to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales – for transit movements only
- Great Britain to Northern Ireland
You may need to use a goods movement reference for Northern Ireland to Great Britain movements (for example a transit movement).
This is a new requirement at ports using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service. You will not be able to move goods without a goods movement reference and you may face delays at the port.
This service brings together multiple declaration reference numbers into a single goods movement reference. This is to speed up the clearance of goods through customs.
If you’re a trader
If you are a trader sending goods, you must:
- Check if the port where the goods are arriving is using goods vehicle movement service because you need to pre-lodge declarations.
- Before the goods arrive at the departure port you must give the haulier your movement reference numbers from any safety and security declarations, import or export declaration, TIR and ATA carnet numbers. Alternatively you must give your EORI number if you are approved to make an entry in your own records.
- If your goods are travelling under common and union transit, you must give the haulier the transit accompanying document, as well as the movement reference numbers for any safety and security declarations.
If you’re a haulier
If your business has been hired by someone to move goods, you must:
- Check if the ports where the goods are moving from and to are using goods vehicle movement service.
- Register for the Goods Vehicle Movement Service if you’re a haulier.
- Get a goods movement reference if you’re a haulier. You’ll be able to do this online, and HMRC will publish guidance once the service is available.
- You must follow instructions about whether you need to get your goods checked by customs on arrival or if you are able to continue your journey.
If you’re a carrier
If you are transporting a vehicle for a haulier, you must:
- Check if the port where the goods are arriving is using goods vehicle movement service.
- Get access to the carrier application platform interface (API).
- Check if a goods movement reference is valid.
Guidance
Register for the Goods Vehicle Movement Service
If you’re a haulier and move goods through a port in the UK that uses the Goods Vehicle Movement Service you’ll need to register for the service to get your goods through customs.
Who should register
If you’re a haulier that moves goods through one or more ports that uses the Goods Vehicle Movement Service, you should apply to use Goods Vehicle Movement Service.
When to register
You can register from 8 December 2020.
Before you register
To register, you will need to get an EORI starting with GB.
How to register
You will need a Government Gateway user ID and password. If you do not have a user ID, you can create one for your business when you register.
Online services may be slow during busy times. Check if there are any problems with this service.
After you’ve registered
You need to get a goods movement reference. You’ll be able to do this online, and HMRC will publish guidance once the service is available.