What the service involves
A GMR (Goods Movement Reference) is the number for a vehicle's crossing of the UK border in GVMS. It brings together the numbers of all declarations for the goods in the lorry – MRN, DUCR and ENS.
Without a valid GMR, the vehicle won't be allowed onto the ferry or into the tunnel at ports that use GVMS, including Dover, Eurotunnel, Harwich and Hull. The driver shows the number at check-in at the port of departure.
A GMR can be created by the haulier or by an agent on their behalf. We do it together with the customs declarations, so the references are linked correctly from the start and the driver has everything before departure.
- for the whole load in the vehicle
- 1 number
- references linked to the GMR
- MRN · DUCR · ENS
- the HMRC system at ports and Eurotunnel
- GVMS
What the service includes
- We create the GMR in GVMS for the vehicle
- We link the MRN, DUCR and ENS of every consignment
- We handle groupage – several consignments in one GMR
- We update the GMR when the vehicle or crossing changes
- We send the driver the GMR before departure
- We check the movement status after port check-in
Not included
- We don't arrange transport – your haulier or freight forwarder does that
- We don't book ferries or the tunnel – the haulier does that
Data required before arriving at the port
To create a GMR, we need:
- Vehicle and trailer registration numbers
- Port of departure and port of arrival, planned date and time
- Customs declaration references – MRN or DUCR
- The ENS reference, if it is to be included in the GMR for your route
- The number of consignments in the vehicle
Most common problems
- Customs declaration not submitted before the GMR is created
- A registration number that differs from the one in the GMR
- A missing required customs or transit declaration reference
- A change of crossing without updating the GMR
Once the vehicle has checked in at the port, the GMR can no longer be changed. If the vehicle, load or crossing changes – let us know before entering the port. HMRC says including the ENS MRN in the GMR is optional for EU-to-Great-Britain movements; this does not remove the obligation to submit an ENS where required.
Step by step
- 1
You send the crossing details
Vehicle, trailer, crossing, date and the list of consignments on board.
- 2
We check the declarations
We verify that every consignment has a customs declaration and an ENS – or we submit them.
- 3
We create the GMR
We set up the number in GVMS and link the MRN, DUCR and ENS of every consignment.
- 4
Number for the driver
The driver gets the GMR before departure – by email or messaging app.
- 5
Port check-in
The driver shows the GMR when entering the port or Eurotunnel.
- 6
Movement status
We check whether the vehicle passed without an inspection and respond if customs have questions.
Data needed
- Vehicle and trailer registration numbers
- Crossing – port or terminal of departure and arrival, date, time
- MRN or DUCR numbers of the customs declarations
- ENS number of the safety and security declaration
- List of consignments on the vehicle – for groupage
Templates to download
Customs Clearance Services Agreement
Agreement for businesses: company details, scope of representation before HMRC (direct or indirect), customs charges and payment terms.
PDF · 284 KB · English
