GMR Number UK 2026 – How to Get It via GVMS

What is GMR and why was it introduced?

GMR (Goods Movement Reference) is a unique 25-character code (e.g. GMRA00001234567890123456) that links all customs declarations relating to a specific vehicle movement across the UK border into a single record. Thanks to GMR, UK authorities know in advance what, when, by whom and in what way will cross the border — before the lorry even appears at the ferry or Channel Tunnel.

The GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service) system was launched by HMRC on 1 January 2021 as a response to Brexit and new border requirements. Its purpose is to simplify the flow of goods at so-called pre-lodgement ports — where all customs formalities must be completed before entering UK territory.

GMR vs the old C88 procedure

Before Brexit, UK-EU trade took place without border customs clearance. After Brexit HMRC had to introduce a digital mechanism that would not create massive queues at Dover. GMR solves this problem: the driver has just one code to present at the gates, and all declarations (import, export, transit, ENS, safety & security) are processed in parallel in the background.

Who needs a GMR?

GMR is required for every vehicle movement through a port operating the pre-lodgement model. In practice this applies to:

• Eurotunnel (Folkestone ↔ Coquelles) — every lorry entering from the EU to the UK.
• Dover ferry (DFDS, P&O, Irish Ferries) — every lorry from the EU.
• Western ports: Holyhead, Pembroke, Fishguard (Ireland direction).
• Eastern UK ports: Harwich, Killingholme, Hull, Immingham (in pre-lodgement model).
• Exports from the UK to the EU — a driver travelling from the UK to Calais, Dunkirk or Rotterdam also needs a GMR for the UK exit declaration.

GMR is not required at ports operating the temporary storage model (e.g. Felixstowe, Southampton container ships) — a separate inventory-linked procedure applies there.

Who is responsible for the GMR – the carrier, freight forwarder or broker?

Formally the GMR must be created by the haulier (carrier) — the party physically transporting the goods. In practice this is done by a customs broker or freight forwarder under a power of attorney. The driver does NOT generate the GMR themselves — they only present the code at the gate.

What do you need to obtain a GMR?

1. UK EORI (GB… number)

This is the basic requirement. Without a UK EORI you cannot register with GVMS. An EORI number is obtained free of charge through gov.uk — the process takes 3–5 working days. If you are a Polish transport company, you need a UK EORI (starting with GB), not a Polish PL one.

2. Government Gateway account

This is the UK single sign-on system for HMRC services. Free registration at gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services. To register you need an email address, phone number and company details (Companies House number or VAT number).

3. Access to GVMS

After logging in through Government Gateway you add "Goods Vehicle Movement Service" to your HMRC services. Activation takes up to 24 hours.

4. Customs declarations (MRN)

Every declaration relating to the given movement must first be submitted in CDS (import/export) or NCTS (T1 transit). For each declaration you receive an MRN (Movement Reference Number) — these are the numbers you enter into the GMR. A single GMR can contain dozens of MRNs (e.g. a consolidated groupage with multiple imports).

5. ENS / Safety & Security

Since 31 January 2025, ICS2 (Import Control System 2) applies to UK imports. This requires an ENS declaration to be submitted before the ship departs or the lorry drives off. The MRN from ENS also goes into the GMR.

6. Vehicle and driver data

Tractor unit registration number, trailer number or container number — depending on the type of transport. In some cases also the driver's name.

How to obtain a GMR – step by step

┌──────────────────┐  ┌──────────────────┐  ┌──────────────────┐
│ 1. Login GVMS  │───▶│ 2. Create GMR  │───▶│ 3. Add MRN list │
│ (Gov Gateway)  │  │ (new movement)  │  │ (IMP/EXP/TRA/ENS)│
└──────────────────┘  └──────────────────┘  └──────────────────┘
                             │
                             ▼
┌──────────────────┐  ┌──────────────────┐  ┌──────────────────┐
│ 6. Show at port │◀───│ 5. GMR code    │◀───│ 4. Vehicle data │
│ (driver)      │  │ (25 chars)     │  │ (registration) │
└──────────────────┘  └──────────────────┘  └──────────────────┘

Step 1: Log in to GVMS

Go to gov.uk/guidance/register-for-the-goods-vehicle-movement-service. Click "Sign in" and log in with your Government Gateway credentials. The dashboard shows: "Create a movement", "View movements", "Manage".

Step 2: Select "Create a movement"

The system will ask for:

• Route: departure port and destination port (e.g. Calais → Dover).
• Movement date: planned date and time.
• Direction: Import into UK or Export from UK.
• Vehicle registration: tractor unit registration number.

Step 3: Add declarations (MRN)

In the "Declarations" section paste in all MRNs one by one:

• MRN from the UK import declaration (CDS, e.g. 25GB00ABCD1234567890) — for imports into UK.
• MRN from the EU export declaration (AES, e.g. 25PL0000123456789A) — for EU exports.
• MRN from the transit declaration (NCTS, e.g. 25GB000123456789A1) — for T1 goods.
• MRN from ENS (ICS2) — for safety & security.

The system verifies each MRN in real time. If any is invalid or unpaid, you will get an error.

Step 4: Enter vehicle and trailer data

For "accompanied" transport (driver travels with the lorry): tractor number + trailer number. For "unaccompanied" (trailer on ferry without driver): trailer number only. For containers: container number.

Step 5: Confirm and generate GMR

After verification the system generates a 25-character GMR code and a QR code. You can download the PDF and send it to the driver via SMS, WhatsApp or email.

Step 6: Presentation at the gate

The driver at port entry scans the QR code or types the GMR into the terminal. The GVMS system issues a decision within a few seconds:

• Green channel — proceed without inspection.
• Orange channel — document check.
• Red channel — physical goods inspection.

How much does GMR cost?

The GVMS system itself is free for companies. You only incur a cost when you outsource GMR generation to a customs broker or freight forwarder. Market rates in 2026:

• Standard GMR (1–3 MRNs, simple movement): from £15 to £25
• Complex GMR (5+ MRNs, consolidated groupage): from £25 to £30
• Express GMR (issued 24/7): from £25 to £30

At Easy Clearance: GMR from £20 during working hours, £30 out of hours (24/7). *Indicative ranges — exact quote after documents are submitted.*

Common mistakes when generating a GMR

Error 1: MRN not yet active in the system

If a declaration in CDS/NCTS has just been submitted, the MRN needs 10–30 minutes to become "visible" in GVMS. Trying to create a GMR too quickly gives a "Declaration not found" error. Solution: wait 30 minutes and try again.

Error 2: Unpaid import

For UK imports, GVMS only accepts declarations with paid VAT/duty or approved deferred payment (PVA — Postponed VAT Accounting, or Duty Deferment Account). Without this, the GMR will not be created.

Error 3: Registration discrepancy

If the registration entered in the GMR differs from the vehicle the driver actually arrives in, the gate will reject entry. Changing it requires updating the GMR before presenting at the port.

Error 4: Missing ENS on UK imports

Since February 2025 ICS2 applies — without ENS the system blocks GMR creation.

Error 5: Mixed directions (import vs export)

For the same movement you cannot mix an EU export declaration with a UK export declaration. Each direction is a separate GMR.

Case study: 12-pallet urgent transit Calais → Dover → Warsaw

A Polish freight forwarder was transporting 12 pallets of electronics from Spain to Poland through the UK (T1 transit procedure, non-Union goods of Chinese origin). The lorry arrived at Calais at 15:00, ferry at 17:30. Two hours before departure the driver discovered that the carrier had not generated a GMR.

The client called our WhatsApp helpline at 15:20. Within 45 minutes:

1. We verified the T1 MRN status in NCTS (closed, active).
2. We checked the ENS declaration (submitted by the freight forwarder the previous day — OK).
3. We generated the GMR in GVMS from our haulier account.
4. We sent the driver the QR code via WhatsApp.

The driver boarded the 17:30 ferry as planned. Cost: £25 (*example quote*). Without the GMR, he faced losing the entire slot and a 48-hour delay.

GMR and other documents – how it all connects

GMR is the "bracket" that links all previous declarations. Before generating a GMR you must have:

• MRN from the import/export declaration — in CDS or AES.
• T1 Transit — if goods are non-Union and travelling through the UK.
• ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) — for UK imports through ICS2.
• Accompanying documents: CMR, commercial invoice, packing list.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

Can a Polish freight forwarder generate a GMR?

Yes, provided they hold a UK EORI (GB…) and a Government Gateway account. Alternatively: commission it to a UK customs broker acting under your authorisation.

How much time before departure must a GMR be created?

A minimum of 2 hours before arriving at the port. In practice: the earlier the better — this gives you time to correct any MRNs.

Can a GMR be updated after creation?

Yes, up to the "check-in" point at the port. You can change the vehicle registration, add or remove MRNs. After the QR code is scanned at the gate the GMR is "frozen".

Can one GMR handle multiple MRNs?

Yes. A single GMR can contain from 1 to 99 declarations (mix of import/export/transit). This is a key feature for consolidated (LTL) transport.

What happens if the driver arrives without a GMR?

They will be turned back from the port. Eurotunnel and DFDS verify GMR in the preboarding zone. Boarding the ferry or train without a GMR is impossible.

Is GMR required for private cars too?

No. GMR applies exclusively to commercial transport (lorries, commercial vans). Private individuals crossing the UK border do not need a GMR.

How long is a GMR valid?

A GMR is valid only for that specific crossing and date/time (plus a tolerance window). After use or expiry of the window a new GMR must be generated.

What the current official guidance means in practice

GVMS and GMR procedures are regularly updated by HMRC. Always verify current requirements on gov.uk. The information in this article reflects the legal position as of April 2026.

Official sources

• GOV.UK: Register for GVMS
• GOV.UK: Moving goods through GVMS ports
• GOV.UK: Get an EORI number
• GOV.UK: Import Control System 2 (ICS2)