Customs insights
Clearport customs blog
GMR, clearance and removals. Practical answers before your next shipment.

GMR & borders
How to get a GMR number for a UK crossing
A GMR brings declaration references together for a crossing. Here is what to prepare before the driver reaches check-in.
Read guide
GMR & borders
GMR check-in checklist: avoid preventable delays
A valid reference and matching vehicle details are separate checks. Compare the paperwork before reaching the ferry or tunnel.
Read guide
GMR & borders
GMR status and customs inspection instructions
Check-in does not complete the customs process. Understand movement states and check inspection instructions after crossing.
Read guide
GMR & borders
GVMS, GMR and MRN: understand the differences
Three abbreviations with different roles: a movement service, a crossing reference and a customs declaration reference.
Read guide
Imports & exports
UK import clearance: documents for CDS
An invoice is only the starting point. Prepare goods, parties, origin and transport information before the CDS declaration.
Read guide
Imports & exports
UK export CDS declaration and onward movement
Export, transit and destination import are separate stages. Plan the references and departure evidence before collection.
Read guide
Imports & exports
How long does UK customs clearance take?
There is no single clearance time for every shipment. Understand preparation, document requests and customs holds.
Read guide
Imports & exports
UK customs clearance costs: fees, duty and VAT
An agent’s fee is not the same as import taxes. Separate service costs, duties, VAT and transport charges before requesting a quote.
Read guide
Transit
T1 or T2? Goods status and transit explained
T1 and T2 are not interchangeable transport documents. Goods status and the intended route determine the correct approach.
Read guide
Transit
Ending NCTS transit: delivery is not enough
Presentation at destination matters. Understand delivery, ending the movement and customs discharge.
Read guide
Transit
CDS and NCTS: export followed by transit
An export declaration does not automatically create transit. Plan both operations and the next clearance location.
Read guide
GMR & borders
UK ENS and EU ICS2: what is different?
Safety and security declarations do not replace customs clearance. The direction determines the system and information needed.
Read guide
Transit
ICS2 and NCTS: when can data be combined?
Transit does not always replace a separate ENS. Check national arrangements and the filing route before departure.
Read guide
GMR & borders
ELO and Smart Border on the France–UK route
ELO consolidates references for a transport unit. It does not replace underlying declarations or a UK GMR.
Read guide
Imports & exports
GB, EU or XI EORI: which number do you need?
The right EORI depends on location and customs role. One number is not automatically suitable for every border.
Read guide
Imports & exports
Commodity codes and origin: two separate checks
Classification and origin answer different questions. Prepare the information needed to assess duty before clearance.
Read guide
Removals
ToR relief when moving belongings to the UK
Transfer of Residence relief requires eligibility and evidence. Calling a load a removal does not itself remove import charges.
Read guide
Removals
How to prepare a removals packing list
A clear inventory connects paperwork with the actual load. Avoid descriptions that cannot be checked during an inspection.
Read guide
Vehicles
Importing a car: customs, NOVA and registration
Customs clearance and road registration are different stages. Prepare vehicle details, purchase evidence and any relief basis.
Read guide
Removals
Moving belongings from the UK to Poland
Returning to Poland involves EU rules rather than UK ToR. Start with evidence, an inventory and the clearance location.
Read guide
Quote and contact
Tell us about your shipment and we’ll send you a quote
Let us know what’s moving and where. We’ll reply with a price and a list of documents before your shipment sets off.
- Price and document list in our reply
- In English or Polish


