Create a GMR (GVMS) in 2026 — Free Registration, Step by Step

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: movement data and references do not line up in GVMS

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.

A GMR is a short alphanumeric identifier issued by HMRC when the movement is created — it is not a code you compose yourself, and GOV.UK does not publish a fixed pattern for it. Use exactly the reference GVMS returns: carriers validate it against the vehicle registration number (accompanied movements) or the trailer or container reference (unaccompanied movements), so a mistyped character means the movement will not be found at check-in.

What is the difference between GMR and MRN?

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. The declaration references for every consignment on the vehicle — which reference this is depends on the direction of travel and the declaration type (see the table below). Getting this wrong is the most common reason a GMR cannot be completed.

2. Vehicle identification:

- The vehicle registration number if the movement is accompanied (the driver travels with the trailer).
- The trailer number or container reference if the movement is unaccompanied.

3. Your GVMS sign-in details — the Government Gateway credentials used when you registered for the service.

What you do not need: GVMS does not ask for the driver's name, passport or ID card number. Carriers validate the GMR against the vehicle registration number or the trailer or container reference — not against driver identity documents.

Which reference goes into the GMR

This is the part GOV.UK splits across several pages, and it is where most rejected movements start. The reference is not always an MRN:

One more import-side condition that is easy to miss: declarations for goods moving through GVMS ports on import must be pre-lodged and carry the additional information code RRS01. A declaration that was arrived rather than pre-lodged will not behave as expected in the movement. On the export side, whether the declaration is pre-lodged or arrived depends on the location you are leaving from.

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 the movement data: - The declaration reference for each consignment, in the form the direction of travel requires (MRN, DUCR, EORI for EIDR or a carnet number). - The vehicle registration number, or the trailer or container reference for an unaccompanied movement. 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: - If the crossing, vehicle or linked references changed after the GMR was created, review the movement in GVMS and create a fresh GMR for the current movement when needed.

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: Low-value consignments — the £135 threshold does not remove the declaration

Common misconception: that commercial goods worth under £135 can cross without a customs declaration, so the GMR can be built without a declaration reference. What actually applies: the £135 figure is a VAT threshold, not a customs one. For consignments at or below £135 sold directly to customers in Great Britain, UK supply VAT is charged at the point of sale instead of import VAT — but HMRC is explicit that these consignments still need customs declarations and remain subject to normal customs processes. In practice that means a low-value load moving by road still produces a declaration reference, and that reference still goes into the GMR. Process: 1. Lodge the customs declaration as normal (pre-lodged, with RRS01, for a GVMS import). 2. Add the resulting reference to the GMR — MRN for an import, DUCR for a GB to EU export. 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 a GMR required for every transport to the UK?

A GMR is required for road movements of commercial goods through border locations that use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service. Passenger transport without commercial goods does not need one.

What do I need before I can create a GMR?

GVMS sign-in details from your registration, the declaration reference for every consignment on the vehicle, and either the vehicle registration number for an accompanied movement or the trailer or container reference for an unaccompanied one. GVMS does not ask for the driver's name or passport number.

Which reference goes into the GMR - MRN or DUCR?

It depends on direction. An EU to Great Britain import uses the MRN of the customs or transit declaration. A Great Britain to EU export uses the DUCR of the combined customs and safety and security export declaration. EIDR movements use the EORI authorised for EIDR at the frontier, and ATA or TIR movements use the carnet reference.

Can I create a GMR without an MRN?

Sometimes, but not because the goods are low value. The £135 threshold is a VAT rule and HMRC states that consignments at or below it still need customs declarations. What changes is which reference applies: DUCR for a GB to EU export, the EIDR-authorised EORI, or a carnet number.

What is RRS01 and when do I need it?

Declarations for goods moving through GVMS ports on import must be pre-lodged and include the additional information code RRS01. A declaration that was arrived rather than pre-lodged will not behave as expected in the movement.

How long is a GMR valid?

Treat a GMR as tied to one current movement. If the vehicle details, the crossing or the linked references change, review the movement in GVMS and create a fresh GMR for the current movement where needed.

What happens if the driver loses the GMR?

The reference can be retrieved from GVMS and re-sent to the driver by SMS or email. The carrier validates it against the vehicle registration number, or the trailer or container reference for an unaccompanied movement, at check-in.

Does the GMR apply to container sea freight?

No. The GMR concerns accompanied and unaccompanied road movements through border locations operating the Goods Vehicle Movement Service. Container sea freight follows 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 must match the current movement, references and vehicle data. 4. Operational errors around GMR can delay check-in or force a further document review.

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

Three points from the current guidance decide whether a movement goes through cleanly, and all three sit outside the GVMS screen itself.

The reference follows the direction of travel. GOV.UK sets out different requirements for EU to Great Britain, Great Britain to the EU and Great Britain to Northern Ireland movements. On import you add the MRN; on export to the EU you add the DUCR of the combined customs and safety and security export declaration. A carrier who lodges an export declaration and then looks for an MRN to paste into the GMR is looking for the wrong number.

Import declarations must be pre-lodged with RRS01. GOV.UK is explicit that declarations for goods moving through GVMS ports on import must be pre-lodged and include that additional information code. HMRC also warns that a penalty may follow where goods are moved at pre-lodgement locations without enough evidence that a declaration has been made.

Registration is not same-day. Registering for the service needs a GB EORI number and Government Gateway sign-in details, and GOV.UK notes that an application will be delayed if you use a different address from the one already held for other HMRC services — a practical reason to register before the first crossing rather than on the day.

Official sources

• GOV.UK: Create a goods movement reference — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-08-31
• GOV.UK: Get a goods movement reference — what you need by route — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-08-31
• GOV.UK: Register for the Goods Vehicle Movement Service — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-08-31
• GOV.UK: Declaration types in the Goods Vehicle Movement Service — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-08-31
• GOV.UK: Check if a goods movement reference is valid — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-08-31
• GOV.UK: Goods Vehicle Movement Service collection — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-08-31
• GOV.UK: VAT and overseas goods sold directly to customers in the UK (£135 threshold) — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-08-31