UK customs and EU import: EAD, ENS, GMR, GVMS, CDS

Customs to the United Kingdom and import into the EU are two different procedures that we run as part of transport. For export to the UK we prepare the EAD, file the ENS, create the GMR in the GVMS system and track the status in the UK CDS. For import we handle the EX/EAD on the export side, the French smart border with procedure 42, and veterinary and SIVEP controls.

Export to the United Kingdom, step by step

The EAD, the export accompanying document, on the EU side.
The ENS safety declaration and GB import readiness (ELO).
The GMR created in the GVMS system, which the driver uses to cross the border.
The UK CDS and its status messages, including CC529 and CC599, especially important for groupage loads with many declarations.
T1 or T2 transit and the ATA carnet when goods return unchanged.

GMR (Goods Movement Reference) is the movement number in the UK GVMS system. It links the declarations for one crossing, and the driver presents it at the border.

Why groupage is harder

On a groupage load one vehicle carries many shipments, and each has its own declaration. That is why CDS messages such as CC529 and CC599 must be watched for each consignment separately, so one missing status does not hold up the whole vehicle. We watch this for the client.

Import into the EU and controls

The EX/EAD on the export side, import handling and the French ENS on the EU entry side.
The French smart border at the Channel crossing, including procedure 42, an import clearance with deferred VAT.
Veterinary and SIVEP controls for goods of animal and plant origin.
Clearance of machinery and industrial loads, also at points in the Netherlands.

How we work

We have our own customs agencies in Poland and the UK and run clearance as part of transport, not a separate problem at the end. We say plainly who supplies which documents and watch the statuses on both sides of the border. We treat the client goods as our own.

See customs clearance, transport to the United Kingdom and contact.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Why is clearing a groupage load to the UK harder than a full truck?

Because many consignments travel on one trailer and each has its own customs declaration. The statuses in the British CDS, including the CC529 and CC599 messages, have to be tracked for every consignment separately, while a single GMR ties all the declarations together. One missing status can stop the whole vehicle along with the goods of the other senders. We watch this for the client.

When do you use T1 transit and when an ATA Carnet?

T1 transit lets non-Union goods move under customs supervision across a territory without paying duty along the way, while T2 covers Union goods. An ATA Carnet works when goods leave temporarily and return unchanged, for example exhibition stands or equipment. The choice of procedure depends on what is travelling and whether it comes back; we match it to the specific load.

What is a SIVEP check and which goods does it cover?

SIVEP is the French network of border control posts through which goods of animal and plant origin pass when imported into the EU. This covers veterinary and phytosanitary checks on entry from the United Kingdom. Such a load needs prior notification and a complete set of documents, so for food and agricultural products we plan the clearance and the crossing well in advance.