What is a GMR number and how to generate it in the GVMS system? [2026]

Transporting goods to the UK after Brexit requires not only a customs declaration but also a GMR number (Goods Movement Reference). GMR is a unique shipment identifier generated by GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service), which allows the vehicle to enter the UK.

Without a GMR number, the vehicle will not be allowed onto the ferry, through the tunnel, or into a UK port. For carriers and freight forwarders, GMR has become a key element of cross-border logistics.

This article explains what a GMR number is, how to generate it, when it is required and what to do in case of problems.

Problem: No GMR = No entry to the UK

Why is the GMR required?

After Brexit, the United Kingdom introduced a system GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service), which integrates all border documents (customs declaration, ENS, veterinary documents) into one reference number – GMR.

Purpose of GMR: - Enables border authorities to quickly verify that all required documents have been submitted. - Speeds up clearance at the border (port, tunnel). - Reduces the risk of vehicle detention due to missing documents. Practical issue: Missing GMR number means: - Entry refusal onto ferry/tunnel (Dover, Folkestone). - Requirement to return vehicle to the checkpoint. - Delivery delays and additional logistics costs.

What is a GMR number?

Definition

GMR (Goods Movement Reference) is a unique reference number generated by GVMS, confirming that all required border documents have been submitted for the shipment.

If you need operational help for a live movement, see our GMR and GVMS support page.

The GMR number consists of: - Prefix "GMR". - Year. - Unique number (e.g. `GMR-2025-123456`).

What is the difference between GMR and MRN?

| Feature | GMR (Goods Movement Reference) | MRN (Movement Reference Number) | |---|---|---| | System | GVMS (UK) | CDS (UK) / AES (EU) | | Purpose | Border document verification | Customs declaration identification | | When is it generated? | Before entering the UK | When submitting the customs declaration | | Format | GMR-2025-123456 | 18 digits (e.g. 25GB123456789012345) |

Important: GMR does not replace MRN. Both numbers are required but serve different purposes.

When is GMR required?

Scenarios requiring GMR

A GMR number is typically required in the following cases:

1. Road transport to the UK (via Dover, Folkestone or Holyhead): - Every vehicle carrying commercial goods must have a GMR.

2. RoRo transport (Roll-on/Roll-off): - Vehicles boarding the ferry or through the tunnel.

3. Shipments requiring multiple documents: - If the shipment requires customs declaration + ENS + certificates (e.g. food, plants), GMR integrates all these documents.

When is GMR NOT required?

- Passenger transport (passenger cars without commercial goods). - Courier shipments (handled by courier companies with their own systems). - Air and sea container transport (other procedures).

How to generate a GMR number?

Step 1: Register in the GVMS system

To generate a GMR, you must have access to the GVMS. Registration is free and done via the website gov.uk.

Registration process: 1. Go to gov.uk/guidance/register-for-the-goods-vehicle-movement-service. 2. Create an account Government Gateway (if you do not have it yet). 3. Register your transport company in the GVMS system. 4. You will receive access to the GVMS panel. Important: Registration may take several working days. Do not wait until the last moment before the first transport to the UK.

Step 2: Prepare shipment data

To generate a GMR, you need the following data:

1. MRN number from the customs declaration (if applicable). 2. ENS number (Entry Summary Declaration). 3. Certificate numbers (if the shipment requires veterinary, phytosanitary certificates, etc.). 4. Vehicle data: - Vehicle registration number. - Trailer registration number (if applicable). 5. Driver data: - First and last name. - Passport or ID card number.

Step 3: Enter data into the GVMS system

1. Log in to the GVMS panel. 2. Select the option "Create a new GMR". 3. Enter shipment data: - MRN number (if applicable). - ENS number. - Certificate numbers (if applicable). - Vehicle and driver details. 4. The GVMS system automatically verifies that all documents have been submitted. 5. If everything is correct, the system generates GMR number.

Step 4: Provide the GMR to the driver

The GMR number must be provided to the driver in the form of: - Electronic (SMS, e-mail). - Printed (document with GMR number).

The driver presents the GMR number at the border (port, tunnel). The system automatically verifies the GMR status.

What to do if GMR does not work?

Most common GMR issues

1. GMR not generated: - Check if all required documents (MRN, ENS) have been submitted. - Ensure data in GVMS matches data in the customs declaration.

2. GMR was rejected at the border: - Contact HMRC or Border Force to clarify the reason for rejection. - Check if the customs declaration has been selected for inspection (Route 2).

3. GMR expired: - GMR is valid for 24 hours from the moment of generation. If the driver does not enter the UK within this time, you must generate a new GMR.

GVMS technical support

If you have technical issues with the GVMS system, contact: - HMRC Helpline: +44 300 322 9434 (from UK) or +44 29 2050 1261 (outside UK). - Email: gvms.helpdesk@hmrc.gov.uk.

GMR and various transport scenarios

Scenario 1: One shipment, one customs declaration

Situation: You transport one pallet of furniture from Poland to the UK. You have one customs declaration (MRN) and one ENS. Process: 1. Submit a customs declaration (you will receive an MRN). 2. Submit ENS (via GVMS or customs agent). 3. Generate GMR in the GVMS system (enter MRN and ENS number). 4. Provide GMR to the driver.

Scenario 2: Multiple shipments on one vehicle

Situation: You transport 10 pallets for different clients in the UK. Each pallet has a separate customs declaration (10 MRNs). Process: 1. Submit 10 customs declarations (10 MRNs). 2. Submit one ENS for the entire vehicle. 3. Generate one GMR in the GVMS system, providing all 10 MRNs. 4. Give the GMR to the driver. Important: One GMR can cover multiple MRNs, but all must be entered into the GVMS system before generating the GMR.

Scenario 3: Shipment without customs declaration (value below threshold)

Situation: You are transporting commercial samples valued under £135. You do not need to submit a customs declaration but still require ENS. Process: 1. Submit ENS (via GVMS or customs agent). 2. Generate GMR in the GVMS system (provide only the ENS number, no MRN). 3. Give the GMR to the driver.

How can easyclearance.pl assist?

Generating GMR on behalf of the carrier

If the carrier does not have access to the GVMS system, we can generate the GMR on their behalf. Our team: - Collects data from exporter, importer and carrier. - Submits customs declaration and ENS. - Generates GMR and provides it to the carrier.

Support in case of border issues

If the GMR is rejected at the border, our team can: - Contact HMRC/Border Force to clarify the reason. - Correct data in the GVMS system. - Generate a new GMR (if possible).

Coordination with exporters and importers

We assist in coordination between the exporter (Poland), carrier and importer (UK), ensuring all data is delivered on time and the GMR is generated before vehicle departure.

Distinction: easyclearance.pl is a customs agency based in the UK. We directly handle clearances in Great Britain, including GMR generation. If your shipment requires customs clearance in Poland or another EU country, we coordinate the process through our network of licensed local partners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is GMR required for every transport to the UK?

Yes, for road transport (TIR, truck) carrying commercial goods. Passenger transport does not require a GMR.

How long is the GMR valid?

GMR is valid for 24 hours from the moment of generation. If the driver does not enter the UK within this time, you must generate a new GMR.

Can I generate a GMR without an MRN?

Yes, if the shipment does not require a customs declaration, for example for certain commercial samples under £135. In such cases, an ENS reference may be sufficient.

What happens if the driver loses the GMR number?

You can regenerate the GMR in the GVMS system or send the GMR number to the driver via SMS/email.

Does the GMR also apply to container sea transport?

No. GMR mainly concerns RoRo road transport (Roll-on/Roll-off). Container sea transport has different procedures.

Summary

The GMR number is a key element of goods transport to the UK post-Brexit. Key rules:

1. GMR is required for road transport to the UK. 2. GMR integrates All border documents (MRN, ENS, certificates). 3. GMR is valid for 24 hours from the moment of generation. 4. No GMR = No entry to the UK.

Need help with GMR?

If you are transporting goods to the UK and need assistance generating a GMR, contact easyclearance.pl. We will help prepare the documentation and generate the GMR number.

easyclearance.pl is a customs agency based in the United Kingdom. We directly handle clearances in the UK, including GMR generation. Customs clearances in the EU are carried out in cooperation with our network of licensed local partners. Contact us →

What the current official guidance means in practice

For operational work, the current procedural rules, declaration fields and relief conditions should be checked directly against the official guidance. For this topic, the core reference points are GOV.UK / HMRC.

Official sources

• UK GOV (Get a GMR) — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-03-04
• UK GOV (Using GVMS) — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-03-04
• GOV.UK: Goods Vehicle Movement Service — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-03-04
• GOV.UK: moving goods between Great Britain and the EU — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-03-04