The new rules for hauliers moving goods between the EU and GB came into effect from 1 January 2022, so it’s important to keep them in mind for your supply lines.
Below is an abridged version, with the full letter at the bottom.
Upcoming changes for hauliers or carriers who move goods between the European Union and Great Britain. These will apply from 1 January 2022.
- An important update on full customs controls for goods moving from the island of Ireland to Great Britain (GB)
- Actions to take now if you will be moving goods from 1 January 2022
- Changes to how you export goods from EU to GB
- Using dual Freight Location Code (FLC) for goods leaving Dover/Eurotunnel
- New rules for attending an Inland Border Facility (IBF)
- The HGV Road User Levy – further extension
An important update on full customs controls for goods moving from the island of Ireland to Great Britain
On 15 December the UK Government announced that from 1 January 2022 current arrangements for importing will continue to apply for goods moving from the island of Ireland to Great Britain while discussions on the Northern Ireland Protocol are ongoing. This does not affect goods being exported from Great Britain to Ireland.
You can find more information about special procedures on GOV.UK.
Actions to take now if you will be moving goods from 1 January 2022
- Register for Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) now at uk/register-to-move-goods to avoid being stopped at the border from January 2022. Before registering you must have:
- a Government Gateway user ID and password – if you don’t have one already you can create one when registering for GVMS.
- an Economic Operators Registration and Identification number starting with ‘GB’ – even if you’re based in the EU.
For more information on registration timings watch our GVMS Registration journey (specific for Non-UK hauliers) webinar
- Make sure you have the correct documents for yourself and the goods you’re moving before reaching the border.
You will be prevented from boarding the ferry or shuttle if you do not have the correct ID and necessary paperwork with you from 1 January 2022. You need to be prepared or you and your goods will be turned away. There is a checklist of the documents that you need that you can refer to. - Get a Goods Movement Reference (GMR).
Haulage companies will need to use GVMS to create a GMR for loads with multiple customs declarations. A GMR is a single reference number linking multiple pre-lodged declaration references together.
Any movements into GB from the EU, or to the EU from GB, started after 11.59pm GMT on 31 December 2021 must have a GMR. Without one, drivers will not be able to board the ferry or shuttle and they will be delayed or turned away at the port.
The haulier responsible for moving the goods usually creates the GMR.
You can find out how to get a GMR at gov.uk/guidance/get-a-goods-movement-reference.
For more help watch our GVMS recorded webinar on YouTube.
Changes to how you export goods from GB to the EU
From 1 January 2022, goods exported through border locations will be subject to full customs controls.
You’ll need to check that the business whose goods you’re moving has submitted the correct customs declaration. This would be either a pre-lodged export declaration or an arrived export declaration – check which locations need an arrived export declaration.
Using dual Freight Location Code (FLC) for goods leaving Dover/Eurotunnel
When making import declarations, you should check if the arrival border location is using GVMS.
New rules for attending an Inland Border Facility (IBF)
When importing goods from 1 January 2022, you must follow HMRC instructions about whether you need to get your goods checked on arrival.
The person who created the Goods Movement Reference (GMR) (usually the haulier) should ensure that the goods arrive at an IBF for a check and that their drivers are made aware or have the means to check if an inspection is required.
The UK Government has decided to continue the suspension until 31 July 2023 to further support domestic and international hauliers.
Hauliers will not need to buy a new levy for journeys within the UK until that date