Immediate action will need to be taken if you will be moving goods through border locations that use GVMS. Full customs controls will be in place from 1 January 2022, so HMRC is urging anyone who is going to be moving goods through GVMS ports to register for GVMS as soon as possible. This includes:
- large retail businesses that transport and declare their own goods
- logistics businesses hired to transport goods and complete customs processes on behalf of another business
- independent drivers that transport goods and do their own customs paperwork
- companies that sub-contract to pick up goods on behalf of another business
To move goods through border locations that use GVMS, you must:
- Register for GVMS now. You will need to use this system to create a Goods Movement Reference (GMR) for any goods you move between Great Britain (GB) and the European Union (EU).
- Get a Goods Movement Record (GMR). Any movements (including empties) into GB from the EU (excluding Ireland), or to the EU from GB, started after 11.59pm GMT on 31 December 2021 must have a GMR. Without one, drivers will not be able to board the ferry or shuttle.
- Check if you need to report for an inspection of your goods using your GMR. If the goods you’re importing or exporting are selected for inspection, most ports will check the goods on site. Port of Dover and Eurotunnel require drivers to attend an inland border facility (IBF), as does Holyhead if you’re exporting goods from Great Britain.
The person who created the GMR (usually the haulier) must ensure the goods arrive at an IBF for a check and that their drivers are made aware, or have the means to check, if an inspection is required. The haulier and/or driver may be liable to a penalty of up to £2,500 if they fail to follow HMRC instructions to attend an IBF.
Support available
Check GOV.UK for more information, but if you need more help on these requirements, you can call the Customs and International Trade helpline on 0300 322 9434 from 8.00am to 10.00pm Monday to Friday, and 8.00am to 4.00pm at weekends.
If you need urgent help with goods at the border outside of these hours, the helpline will divert your call to 24/7 support – choose option one on the helpline menu.