UK GMR: Complete Guide for Hauliers – How to Create and Check a Goods Movement Reference
“The truck is at the port, check-in is closing, and the GMR is not valid. But the customs declarations were submitted hours ago. What happened?”
For transport companies operating between the UK and the EU, this situation can quickly result in a missed sailing and unnecessary delays. Having valid customs declarations is not enough when travelling through a UK port using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS). The movement must also be correctly linked to a Goods Movement Reference (GMR).
So, what exactly is a GMR, when is it required, and what should hauliers check before reaching the port?
Instead, it allows the UK border systems to connect the vehicle movement with the customs information already submitted.
For hauliers, this distinction is important: having an MRN or other customs reference does not mean that the vehicle is automatically ready to cross the border.
What is a GMR?
A Goods Movement Reference (GMR) is a unique reference created through the UK’s Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS).
It links the physical movement of a vehicle to the customs declarations covering the goods it carries. In practical terms, the GMR brings together the relevant declaration reference numbers for a specific journey.
A GMR does not replace a customs declaration or clear goods through customs.
What is the role of the Goods Movement Reference?
The GMR connects the vehicle or trailer, the relevant customs references and the specific border movement.
The haulier is responsible for creating the GMR and entering the required information. The reference is then provided to the carrier at check-in.
Depending on the movement, GVMS can also determine whether the goods need to be presented for customs inspection after arriving in the UK.
Before creating a GMR, transport operators should therefore confirm which customs procedure applies to the specific journey.
When is a GMR mandatory?
A GMR is required for goods movements through locations using GVMS. This includes movements between the EU and Great Britain, as well as certain movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The exact requirements depend on the direction of travel, customs procedure and type of movement.
Different rules can apply to standard import or export movements, transit movements, empty trailers and certain special customs procedures.
How to get a valid GMR
A GMR is created through the UK Goods Vehicle Movement Service.
The information required depends on the movement, but the haulier will generally need to provide the vehicle details and the relevant customs declaration references.
For an accompanied movement, this normally means the vehicle registration number. For an unaccompanied movement, the relevant trailer or container reference is used instead.
Once the GMR has been created, its status should be checked before the vehicle reaches the port. HMRC provides a specific service to check whether a Goods Movement Reference is valid.
GMR PROCESS
What information is needed?
Depending on the journey, the GMR may require:
- the vehicle registration number
- the trailer or container reference for unaccompanied movements
- import or export declaration references, such as an MRN or DUCR
- an NCTS MRN for movements under the Common Transit Convention
- ATA or TIR references where applicable
- relevant safety and security declaration information
Since 31 January 2025, Entry Summary (ENS) declarations have been required for imports into Great Britain from the EU. Depending on the movement, the relevant safety and security declaration reference can be added to the GMR.
The exact information required should always be checked against the customs procedure being used.
How are customs declarations associated with the GMR?
The GMR does not create or replace the customs declaration.
The customs declaration must first be submitted through the appropriate system. The haulier then enters the relevant reference into GVMS when creating the GMR.
If several declarations cover goods carried on the same vehicle, the relevant references must be included so that all goods on the vehicle are properly accounted for.
Transit movements require particular attention. For example, when goods move under the Common Transit Convention, the relevant NCTS MRN is used. Import declaration references should not simply be added to the GMR for these transit movements.
What errors can prevent boarding?
A GMR can exist and still contain incorrect information.
A vehicle or trailer mismatch
If the registration or trailer/container reference in the GMR does not correspond to the actual movement, the carrier may not be able to check the vehicle in.
a missing or incorrect customs reference
A declaration may have been successfully submitted, but its reference may not have been added to the GMR. Conversely, a reference may have been added that does not cover the goods actually being transported.
Creating the GMR at the last minute
GMR updates are subject to the movement’s current status, and once the movement has reached a status where amendments are no longer permitted, the haulier cannot simply modify the information.
For this reason, the GMR should be prepared and checked before the vehicle reaches the port.
Move Expert creates and verifies your GMR
For carriers making regular UK crossings, GMR management is another task to coordinate alongside customs declarations, ferry bookings and driver documentation.
Move Expert can support transport companies with GMR creation and verification, checking that the relevant movement and customs information has been correctly associated before the vehicle reaches the port.
Depending on the movement, the check can include the vehicle or trailer details, customs procedure, declaration references and GMR status.
This does not replace the carrier’s responsibility for the accuracy of its customs information. It provides an additional operational check to identify potential issues before check-in.
Need support with GMR? Let Move Expert handle the formalities while you focus on your transport.
Conclusion: check your GMR before reaching the port
A GMR is not simply another reference number. It links the physical vehicle movement to the customs information covering the goods.
For transport managers and fleet operators, the practical rule is straightforward: do not wait until the port to discover that the GMR is incorrect.
Confirm the route and customs procedure, make sure the relevant declarations are covered, verify the vehicle details and check that the GMR is valid before the driver reaches the border.