A GMR is a Goods Movement Reference, a unique identifier required for moving goods through certain UK ports using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS).
It acts as a single reference number that links together all the necessary customs declarations and documentation for a particular shipment, allowing for faster clearance at the border.
It links all the customs paperwork for a single shipment (e.g. customs declarations, ATA Carnets) into one reference number that is presented at the border.
When it’s needed
It is required for most movements of goods from Great Britain to the EU, from the EU to Great Britain, and between Great Britain and Northern Ireland through GVMS-linked ports.
How it works
A GMR is generated through the GVMS system and must be created before the vehicle arrives at the port. It includes details such as the vehicle’s registration, the planned crossing (departure and arrival ports), and the Movement Reference Numbers (MRNs) for all consignments on board.
Why it’s needed
It helps speed up customs clearance by allowing officials to check all necessary documents at once, and a vehicle cannot check in for a crossing without a valid GMR.
