All those involved with cross-border movements between Great Britain and the European Union through specific RORO ports will be required to use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) from 1^st January, 2022. GVMS also applies to EU-GB movements and it also applies to Eurotunnel.

The GVMS has been in use for movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland since 1^st January 2021. The service will also apply to cross-border movements through RORO ports between the EU and GB from 1^st January 2022.

The GVMS is an online system and registration is fairly straightforward. However, in order to register for the service, you will need a Government Gateway ID and a GB EORI. Within two hours of application your GVMS registration should be confirmed as live.

HMRC has published a number YouTube tutorial webinars, and our own Bernard O’Connor has published guidance on the Strong and Herd Website.

HMRC is urging those involved with cross-border trade activity through RORO ports to register for the new service as soon as possible, and to be prepared for the changes due at the border on 1^st January 2022 when GB border easements for imports are removed[1]

It is important to note that businesses will not be able to move goods between GB and the EU through RORO ports or Eurotunnel without the vital Goods Movement Reference (GMR) that is generated by the GVMS. This reference is the vital key, held by the driver making the crossing, which unlocks access to the crossing method, whether it is a RORO port or Eurotunnel.

The GVMS GMR links the GB customs declaration to the truck moving the goods and to the actual goods in it.

Important note to Non-UK based hauliers.

Non-UK hauliers must register to use this service, and in order to register, hauliers must have a GB EORI.

Early preparation for the GVMS is essential, and time is running out if you want to be up and running for 1^st January 2022. Businesses will need time to study and understand the new system, and issues will arise if businesses don’t involve hauliers and drivers in the process.

Remember, the driver must have the Goods Movement Reference to be allowed to board the ferry.

From issuing instructions to the forwarder, to collating all compliance data for audit may prove a challenge for GB traders going forward. There has always been a knack to it, and keeping up with everything may prove challenging at first as new processes kick in.

HMRC appears confident that the new service, when implemented, will work smoothly and the machinations that support cross-border goods movements will be well-oiled and Good to Go.

  [1] Special arrangements remain in place for some controlled goods. See our Customs Guidance pages for updates to DEFRA and IPAFFS requirements. 

The HMRC "Leaflets for Hauliers" are available here in both on-line and printable versions.

Leaflets for hauliers about new rules for moving goods between the EU and Great Britain - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The GVMS Registration page is here.

Register for the goods vehicle movement service - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)