As of 1 January 2022, the UK Government will enforce full customs declarations and controls at all UK borders. Currently, the only ports that are controlled by customs are inventory linked ones. This is due to the fact that these ports have the necessary space and infrastructure to control the movement of goods. Non-inventory linked ports, i.e. using pure Roll-on-Roll-off (RoRo), do not have inventory systems in place and currently do not have the capability to control goods.
The Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) will become mandatory on 1 January 2022 for goods moving to and from (imports and exports) the EU and GB at RoRo ports.
Border locations have the option to control the movement of goods using either an inventory system or the GVMS.
This will result in border locations operating the following types of ports:
- Inventory linked ports, also referred to as the temporary storage model.
- GVMS ports, which are non-inventory linked ports. Ports operating GVMS are referred to as ports operating the pre-lodgement model. This is not to be confused with pre-lodged customs declarations.
- Mixed mode ports are where both the temporary storage model (inventory linking) and pre-lodgement model (GVMS) will operate within one border location. Examples of this would be part of the port (berth, wharf, terminal, harbour) being inventory linked, while the other part is operating GVMS.
HMRC have published a list of ports operating the pre-lodgement model (GVMS) and those ports operating the temporary storage model, which can optionally operate GVMS locations within the port. These ports have different location codes that need to be entered for CHIEF and CDS. The list of ports can be found via:
HMRC advises getting in touch with the carrier at mixed mode ports to check first. Also, it is recommended to keep checking the above page regularly for any updates from HMRC.
GVMS is an IT system provided by HMRC to control the movement of goods coming in and out of GB and Northern Ireland at non-inventory linked ports, and at GVMS locations in ports operating mixed modes. GVMS serves two purposes:
- Controls the movement of goods at non-inventory linked ports. Also referred to as the pre-lodgement model.
- Acts as the digital office of transit for customs offices of transit that have adopted the use of GVMS. This only applies for goods entering GB (imports).
Traders moving goods through GVMS ports must register and use GVMS to link customs references to the vehicle/trailer carrying the goods via a single Goods Movement Record (GMR). Without GVMS traders will not be allowed to:
- Board the ferry or shuttle.
- Clear goods through non-inventory linked locations.
- Cross the EU/UK border.
HMRC Requirements
The GVMS is to be used by UK and non-UK based hauliers. This includes any party transporting goods (e.g. independent drivers, sub-contractors, logistics companies, retail businesses and businesses transporting their own goods). To use GVMS, hauliers must:
- Obtain a GB EORI number (also a requirement for non-UK hauliers).
- Register their business and obtain a Government Gateway Account and register for GVMS.
To get a GB EORI number, the trader must be registered in the UK. This however, is an exception for GVMS and S&S in order to allow non-UK hauliers to move goods through GVMS ports and declare safety and security details.
More guidance from HMRC: Get a goods movement reference
Customs Management
To use GVMS with Customs Management (ICI), customers will need to contact an AEB UK account manager to discuss details and arrange to configure the software accordingly.
- Email: ukacm@aeb.com
Once GVMS is configured as part of your AEB software, you will need to grant authority for the AEB software to communicate with GVMS/HMRC on your behalf.
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