Knowledge base

ELO, ENS, GMR, what they are and when you need them

Three terms you cannot move UK cargo without: ELO, ENS and GMR. We explain what they are and who prepares them.

ELO, ENS and GMR are parts of UK customs after Brexit. ENS is the safety declaration on entry, ELO is GB import readiness, and GMR is the movement number in the GVMS system the driver uses to cross the border. The set is usually prepared by the carrier or a customs agency, but the data for the declarations comes from the sender.

One by one

ENS, Entry Summary Declaration (safety).
ELO, entry in the records / GB import readiness.
GMR, Goods Movement Reference in GVMS.

The carrier (OTSL) prepares the GMR, but it requires GB import documents from the sender or client. See customs clearance.

Sources

Related service: Customs

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between ENS and GMR?

ENS is the safety declaration lodged when goods enter, it describes the consignment before it reaches the border. GMR is the movement number in the GVMS system, it ties together the customs declarations for the whole vehicle and the driver presents it at the crossing. So ENS concerns the goods, while GMR concerns the journey of a specific truck.

What data must the client supply so the carrier can create the GMR?

The carrier needs the GB import documents for the goods on the trailer, because their references are linked in GVMS under one GMR. The sender or client supplies them, directly or through their customs agency. OTSL collects this data before departure, so the GMR is ready before the truck reaches the crossing.

What happens when the GMR is incomplete at the crossing?

A driver without a valid GMR will not be processed onto the crossing to the United Kingdom. The truck waits until every declaration linked in the GMR is correct, and the stoppage means costs and a delayed delivery. That is why document completeness is checked before reaching the port, not at the check-in lane.

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