Goods stuck at the border? Help and Solutions (PL-UK) [2026]

Vehicle detention at the border is a crisis situation generating high demurrage costs and risks for delivery timeliness. Most such cases result from procedural errors or lack of synchronization between KAS and UK HMRC IT systems.

Common reasons for transport detention

1. Incorrect EORI number status: The number may be inactive in customs databases or not linked to the appropriate country. 2. No MRN linkage in the system GMR: If the customs declaration number was not correctly entered into the system GVMS, the driver will not be allowed to board the ferry. 3. Discrepancy in weight or quantity: Systems automatically flag declarations where invoice data differs from declared data. 4. Lack of required certificates: Attempted import/export of regulated goods (e.g. food, wood) without appropriate veterinary or phytosanitary certificates.

Rapid response procedure (SOS)

If your driver reports a hold-up, take the following steps: - Verify MRN number: Check the declaration tracking system for the error (e.g. "rejected", "under control"). - Contact your customs agency: Request immediate intervention and check for any messages from the customs office. - Prepare corrective documents: Often a quick invoice or Packing List correction is necessary.

How can we help?

Our team specialises in "emergency clearances". We have direct communication channels with customs authorities and can quickly take over the declaration handling to unblock transport. Report urgent transport issues at the border

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 European Commission, GOV.UK / HMRC.

Operational watch-outs

Most delays come from inconsistent data between the commercial invoice, packing list, tariff classification, reference numbers and transport assumptions. Before shipment release, confirm who is responsible for clearance, whether the data set is complete and when the declaration must be filed.

Documents and data to prepare

The minimum working pack worth preparing before speaking to customs support or filing a declaration includes:

• commercial invoice with a complete goods description
• packing list with quantities, weight and package count
• HS/CN code and origin information
• EORI number and the party responsible for the declaration

Practical notes for UK-PL operators

For regular flows, keep a stable data template: goods description, HS code, origin, Incoterms, carrier details and source documents. This shortens response time and reduces border corrections.

Official sources

• EU Commission (Customs procedures) — European Commission, 2026-03-04
• UK GOV (Importing into the UK) — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-03-04
• GOV.UK: Customs Declaration Service — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-03-04