Important information about Transit fallback procedures and updates to the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS).

BY:

Niamh O'Connor
3 June 2025

SHARE:

HMRC have confirmed that the GVMS service will be updated on 3 June 2025 to allow for reference to the Transit Manual Fallback procedures to be used during any NCTS5 system downtime and Business Continuity procedures. 

Previously, the SAD/C88 process could be used during a system outage; however, this process was withdrawn in January of this year. Users have been waiting for an update on a procedure to follow should the Transit system be unavailable for GVMS users. 


The update will provide further information about the Business Continuity Process for NCTS5, where transit movements are made through GVMS locations in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It will be particularly relevant to users of NCTS5 and GVMS (traders, agents, declarants, hauliers) and providers of third-party commercial software packages. 



NCTS 6 is due for release later this year 


A link to the Transit Manual Supplement containing the BSP can be found here: 


Transit Manual Supplement - 7. The Business Continuity Procedure - Guidance - GOV.UK 


Details on the creation of a GMR during a Business Continuity period can be found below: 


Create a goods movement reference - GOV.UK 

Focus On: NCTS What you need to know

Since the UK left the customs union of the EU, there has been an increased need for companies to use transit to move goods into or through the EU Member States. This workshop takes you from a basic review of what transit / NCTS are to the application process to become an authorised consignee/ consignor. It also illustrates how to apply for and use a transit guarantee. With tips on making transit declarations, the role of the Transit Accompanying Document (TAD) and discharging a transit movement.


OneCall™ Email assistance as and when required; A one-call solution for all your import, export and customs enquiries. Export help. Import help. Customs help.

Stay informed about customs and international trade matters by subscribing to our OneCall™ service. This comprehensive offering includes a dedicated email helpline for support, timely practical updates direct to your inbox (Did You Know?), monthly UK Customs & Trade Briefings and access to an interactive members' area with an exclusive community for our subscribers.

Subscribe Today ➝

International Trade Updates & Spotlight Newsletter

Subscribe to our free information emails covering international trade topics...

Subscribe to our newsletter ➝

MORE INDUSTRY INSIGHTS...

by Andy Baker 28 November 2025
The Customs Declaration Service update, version 5.0.0, is scheduled for release on Saturday, 13th December 2025, between 9:30 pm and 6 am Sunday, 14 December 2025. During this period, CDS will be unavailable. Please note that any pre-lodged declarations that will be affected by the changes should be changed/amended prior to the goods arriving.
by Steve Berry 25 November 2025
The UK Government published Notice to Exporters 2025/30 on 20th November 2025, which details amendments to three elements of UK Export Controls regulations, as set out in The Export Control (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations, which will come into force on 16 th December 2025.
by Niamh O'Connor 18 November 2025
HMRC has announced that the new Get Customs Data for Import and Export Declarations Service is now available from Thursday, 13th November 2025.
Show More