Goods Vehicle Movement Service: A Comprehensive Guide

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The Goods Vehicle Movement Service is a digital system designed to simplify the process of moving goods in and out of the UK.

The service allows hauliers to register and pay for goods vehicle movements in advance, reducing congestion and improving air quality.

By using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service, hauliers can also access real-time traffic information and receive alerts about potential delays.

This can help hauliers plan their routes more efficiently and avoid traffic hotspots.

The service is free to use and can be accessed online or through a mobile app.

What is GVMS?

The Goods Vehicle Movement Service, or GVMS for short, is a UK government IT system designed to support import, export, and transit movements.

It's a system that aims to facilitate the immediate release of goods from a port where a pre-lodged declaration has been submitted.

Businesses moving goods through ports which use GVMS can register on GOV.UK.

GVMS generates a unique Goods Movement Reference (GMR) from individual Movement Reference Numbers (MRN) for shipments of goods.

A woman wearing a helmet and face mask rides a motorcycle transporting goods on a city street.
Credit: pexels.com, A woman wearing a helmet and face mask rides a motorcycle transporting goods on a city street.

A GMR is a single reference that can only be used once and must be presented to officials at the port of embarkation by the driver of the vehicle transporting the goods.

The system allows for automatic arrival in CHIEF and CDS as soon as goods board at the EU side, enabling UK import declarations to be processed by HMRC en route to the UK.

Inbound goods are successfully cleared before they arrive in the UK, and the platform sends an electronic notification through CHIEF or CDS to allow them to quickly pass through customs.

Getting Started

You need to register for the Goods Vehicle Movement Service if you import goods into or export goods from the UK, through a port that uses the Goods Vehicle Movement Service.

To register, you'll need a Government Gateway user ID and password. If you don't have one, you can create it.

Your business will also need a valid GB EORI number, which needs to be linked to your Government Gateway user ID.

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Credit: pexels.com, A man carries goods in a bustling street market, highlighting daily life.

Here's how to link your GB EORI number:

  • If you don't already have a GB EORI, you'll be taken through the steps to get one when registering for GVMS.
  • If you have a Government Gateway user ID that you use for other customs services, use the same one with GVMS as it will already be linked to your EORI.
  • If you have a GB EORI but don't use any recent online customs services, you'll be asked to enter your EORI and it will be linked to your Government Gateway user ID.

Once you've registered and linked your GB EORI number, you can move on to getting a goods movement reference.

Using GVMS

To use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS), you'll first need to register with HMRC. This requires a Government Gateway User ID and a GB EORI number.

You can register for GVMS with HMRC to move goods through GVMS ports. HMRC has published a GVMS end-to-end guide to assist traders with using APIs to connect to the platform.

Using APIs, you can create a new Goods Movement Record (GMR), update a GMR, finalise a GMR, list your active GMRs, get GMR details, delete a GMR, and get GVMS reference data.

To create a goods movement reference (GMR), you'll need to follow the steps outlined in the GVMS end-to-end guide. This will help you create a valid GMR for moving goods through ports using GVMS.

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Credit: pexels.com, Bird's-eye view of vendors on bicycles transporting goods across Tong Lenh Pontoon Bridge in Vietnam.

Here are the key actions you can perform using the GVMS API:

  • Create a new Goods Movement Record (GMR)
  • Update a GMR, for example changing crossing details or adding declaration IDs
  • Finalise a GMR
  • List your active GMRs
  • Get GMR details
  • Delete a GMR
  • Get GVMS reference data

Remember, a valid GMR is required to move goods through ports using GVMS.

GVMS Processes

Inventory-linked ports in the UK operate either Temporary Storage (TS) or the Mixed model (TS/GVMS), which allows for RoRo terminals to adopt GVMS.

At non-inventory-linked ports, GVMS is linked to the process, which differs based on whether goods are being imported or exported.

If goods are being imported, carriers use GVMS to verify the GMR presented to them and cross-check the details on the GMR with the vehicle.

Upon check-in, vehicles will be turned away at check-in if a valid GMR cannot be presented or if their registration number(s) do not match those on the GMR.

GVMS automatically updates the status to EMBARK once the vehicle and/or trailers have embarked on the crossing.

An electronic notification is sent through CHIEF or CDS when inbound goods are successfully cleared before they arrive in the UK.

Bicycles transporting goods in an urban setting, showcasing motion and utility.
Credit: pexels.com, Bicycles transporting goods in an urban setting, showcasing motion and utility.

If GVMS determines that the movement requires inspection, a notification will be sent within 30 minutes after embarkation.

Transit shipments have their transit declaration automatically updated in NCTS based on the TAD data entered in GVMS prior to departure in the EU.

To use GVMS, the person or business responsible for moving the goods must first register for the GVMS with HMRC, requiring a Government Gateway User ID and a GB EORI number.

To connect to the platform, users can use APIs to create, update, finalise, list, get, and delete Goods Movement Records (GMRs), as well as get GVMS reference data.

Here's a summary of the GVMS process:

GVMS and Software

If you're a software developer or a business owner looking to integrate GVMS into your systems, you'll need to understand how GVMS interacts with software. GVMS allows for automatic arrival in CHIEF and CDS as soon as goods board at the EU side, so that UK import declarations can be processed by HMRC en route to the UK.

For your interest: Sea Freight Services Uk

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Credit: pexels.com, Two men delivering goods to a Chinese store using a truck on a city street.

To access GVMS, users must grant authority to your software by signing in using the Government Gateway user ID that has been registered for the service. This is a crucial step in using the Goods Vehicle Movements API.

Your software may need to act as an agent for haulage or a Community Systems Provider, in which case it should execute the authentication flow using a Government Gateway account registered to GVMS with the haulage agent or CSP's own EORI. This will ensure that the haulier for each GMR created is considered by HMRC to be the haulage agent or CSP registered with the software.

If your software is acting as an agent or CSP for haulage, it will not be able to take each end-user through the Government Gateway authentication flow. This is because the API only supports organisation users.

To use the Goods Vehicle Movements API, users can perform various actions such as creating a new Goods Movement Record (GMR), updating a GMR, finalising a GMR, listing active GMRs, getting GMR details, deleting a GMR, and getting GVMS reference data. These actions can be performed using APIs, as outlined in the GVMS end-to-end guide published by HMRC.

Ports and Locations

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Credit: pexels.com, Commercial fishing boats docked in Stellendam port on a sunny day.

If you're planning to transport goods to Great Britain, it's essential to know which ports use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service.

The Goods Vehicle Movement Service is used at various ports in Great Britain.

You'll need to check which ports specifically use this service to ensure a smooth transportation process.

Here are some ports that use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service:

  • List of ports using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service

Before transporting goods to Great Britain, you'll need to submit a declaration at specific locations.

These locations vary, so it's crucial to check which ones require a declaration.

Check which locations need a declaration to be submitted before goods depart for Great Britain.

Movement and Reporting

You'll need to report for an inspection at an inland border facility if required, where it will take place, and know what to do when attending. These facilities are UK government sites where customs and document checks can take place away from port locations.

To find out if you need to report and where it will take place, check the official website. You can also check the status of the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) for any issues.

If you need to attend an inland border facility, be sure to check the specific details for the location, such as Sevington or Holyhead inland border facility.

Inland Border Inspection Reporting

Credit: youtube.com, GVMS Explained for EU Hauliers - The Goods Vehicle Movement Service January 2022

Inland Border Inspection Reporting can be a bit confusing, but it's actually quite straightforward. You need to report for an inspection at an Inland Border Facility if you're required to do so.

These facilities are UK government sites where customs and document checks can take place away from port locations. You can check if you need to report for an inspection, where it will take place, and what to do when you attend.

If you're attending an inland border facility, you'll need to follow some specific procedures. Sevington inland border facility and Holyhead inland border facility are two examples of inland border facilities you might visit.

Before attending an inland border facility, it's a good idea to check if there are any issues with the Goods Vehicle Movement Service.

Moving

Moving goods through customs can be a complex process, but the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) is here to make it easier. GVMS is used for imports, exports, and transit with pre-lodged declarations.

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Credit: pexels.com, Man Driving Vehicle with Trailers at Airport

If you're using a UK port that uses GVMS, you'll need to check how to move goods through ports that use this service. This will ensure a smooth process for you and your goods.

GVMS allows for the immediate release of goods with pre-lodged declarations as soon as they arrive in the UK. This is because GVMS is connected to CHIEF and CDS, making it a faster and more efficient way to clear goods.

To use GVMS, you'll need to present the Goods Movement Record (GMR) to the carrier at the frontier. The GMR contains details for a single crossing by one vehicle and can be used only once.

Here are the steps to get goods through customs if you're using a UK port that uses GVMS:

  • Check how to move goods through ports that use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between GVMS and GMR?

GVMS is a system that links multiple pre-lodged declarations to a single Goods Movement Record (GMR), while a GMR is a unique record for a single crossing by one vehicle. In essence, GVMS is the umbrella system, and GMR is a single entry within it.

Why do I need a GMR?

To use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service, you need a Goods Movement Reference (GMR) to facilitate smooth goods movement through ports. A GMR is required for efficient logistics and customs clearance.

What is a GMR used for?

A GMR (Goods Movement Reference) number is used to hold customs declaration details for shipments, serving as a digital container for important information. It helps streamline customs clearance and ensures smooth transportation of goods.

How long is a GMR valid for?

A GMR is valid for 28 days from the last update. After this period, it cannot be changed by the haulier.

Kristin Waelchi

Senior Writer

Kristin Waelchi is a skilled writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in research and analysis, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, delving deep into complex topics and shedding light on the intricacies of the world around us. Kristin's expertise lies in crafting engaging articles that inform and educate readers on a wide range of subjects, including industrial facilities.

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