Knowledge base

UK customs clearance after Brexit, step by step

How to clear customs step by step when exporting to the UK after Brexit: documents, ENS, GMR and the order of actions.

UK customs clearance after Brexit requires an EU export declaration (EX/EAD), an ENS safety declaration, GB import documents and a GMR in the GVMS system. The carrier prepares the GMR based on import documents supplied by the sender or client.

The order of actions

Prepare the commercial invoice and goods data.
EU export declaration (EX/EAD); if preferences apply, a statement on origin on the invoice (REX above EUR 6,000).
ENS safety declaration.
GB import documents and GMR creation in GVMS.
Border crossing (e.g. Dunkirk-Dover) and GB import clearance.

GMR (Goods Movement Reference) is the UK GVMS movement number the driver uses to cross the border.

At OTSL we run clearance as part of transport, with our own customs agencies in PL and the UK. See customs clearance and transport to the United Kingdom.

Sources

Related service: Customs

Frequently asked questions

Who prepares the GMR number and what do they need for it?

The GMR is created by the carrier in the UK GVMS system. To do it, the carrier needs GB import documents supplied by the sender or client, plus vehicle and crossing details. At OTSL we prepare the GMR as part of the transport, so the client does not have to operate GVMS. Without a ready GMR the driver will not board the crossing to the UK.

How is preferential origin evidenced for exports to the United Kingdom?

In EU-UK trade, customs preferences are evidenced by a statement on origin placed on the invoice, not by EUR.1. For consignments above EUR 6,000 the exporter must be registered in the REX system. If preferences do not apply or you do not use them, the standard set is enough: invoice, EX/EAD export declaration, ENS and GB import documents. EUR.1 is used on other lanes, for example to Switzerland.

What happens when a truck reaches the border without complete documents?

The vehicle will not be allowed onto the crossing or will be held for checks and will stand until the full set of documents is ready. The stoppage means costs and a delayed delivery, and on groupage it hits every sender on the trailer. That is why the export declaration, the ENS and the GMR are prepared before departure, not on the way.

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