Brexit for EU and UK hauliers transporting goods in and out of the UK will really begin on January 1st 2022. Up until now goods imported or exported to and from the UK may have moved through the ports in some cases without the correct customs declarations. This was due to the lack of UK preparedness around Brexit as a whole. The Goods Vehicle Movement System (GVMS) will ensure this practice stops.
From January 2022 all declarations that should be made including UK import or export and transit declarations and GB Safety and Security Declarations GB S&S will have to be made and included in GVMS before a valid GMR can be created and a RoRo shipment can board a ferry in or out of GB.
What is GVMS
GVMS is a pre boarding notification system. HMRC are introducing GVMS for all RoRo traffic going in and out of the GB. When fully implemented this means that all import or export declarations would need to be included in the GVMS in a type of digital envelope before a truck can board the ferry. Once MRNs are added to the GVMS a single reference number the Goods Movement Number (GMR) is created for that shipment. This GMR must be presented by the driver at the port before boarding the vessel.
Why GVMS
GVMS enables declaration references to be linked together so that the person physically moving the goods only has to present one single reference number (GMR) at the port. The system allows the linking of the movement of the goods to declarations, enabling the automatic arrival/departure of goods within HMRC systems. GVMS automates the Office of Transit function, marking the entry of goods into NI or GB. Also, it allows notification of the risk assessment of declarations in HMRC systems to be sent to the person in control of the goods by the time they physically arrive in NI or GB.
Who needs to register for GVMS
HMRC has stated that all UK haulage companies and EU haulage companies that transport goods in and out of the UK must register for GVMS.
How to register for GVMS
All an EU company needs to use this service is the correct set up. This includes getting a GB EORI number and a HMRC Government Gateway account. An EU company does not need to have a business premises or registration in the UK to get set up.
1. Register for a GB EORI number
In order to create a GMR through the GVMS system you will first need a GB EORI number. If you are not a registered business in the UK you can still apply for and get a GB EORI number from HMRC. Please click on the following link to apply for your GB EORI number: https://www.gov.uk/eori/apply-for-eori
2. Register for a Government Gateway account
The HMRC Government Gateway is where businesses or individuals register for and maintain different tax types such as income tax, VAT, customs declarations and GVMS. Once you have your GB EORI number you will need to apply for and create a Government Gateway account. Please follow the link to apply: https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services Go to the HMRC sign in page and click on the green sign in button. Go to “create sign in details” and follow the instructions to create your account.
3. GVMS Software
Once you have your GB EORI number and your government gateway account you will need a software platform to access GVMS services.
Other services that will be required
For goods importing to, or exporting from the UK a number of other services will be required by companies in 2022. Apart from the GVMS system which commences in January 2022, UK import and export declarations will also be required in order to create a valid GMR. From July 2022 any goods entering GB will require a GB Safety & Security declaration, this needs to be created by the haulier usually and it needs to be included in the GVMS before creating a valid GMR.
How Custran can help
Custran provides a GVMS subscription for EU companies who wish to create GMRs and offers a number of other customs products and services. Simply contact us here or call us in Dublin on +353 1 211 8598: or Cork on +353 21 701 1271.
