HMRC have announced new customs regulations that will impose significant fines on hauliers for non-compliance with Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) procedures, effective April 7th. We at Westmond Logistics are committed to keeping our clients informed about critical changes which may affect their supply chains.
What's Changing?
Starting April 7th, hauliers responsible for bringing goods into the UK & Northern Ireland may face penalties of up to £2,500 if they fail to present all required Transit Movement Reference Numbers (MRNs) within their Goods Movement Reference (GMR) to the Office of Transit. This is a direct consequence of non-compliance with the post-Brexit GVMS system.
Understanding the GVMS and MRNs
The GVMS relies on a pre-lodgement model, meaning all necessary declarations must be submitted before a vehicle travels to all UK & Northern Ireland ports. A GMR is essential for ferry crossings, linking all required declarations.
- MRN (Movement Reference Number): This unique number identifies the shipment within the customs system.
- GMR (Goods Movement Reference): This reference links all the required declarations for a particular goods movement.
Crucially, all MRNs for goods entering the UK & Northern Ireland must be included in the GMR before the vehicle boards a ferry destined for the UK or Northern Ireland.
Why the Change?
HMRC have stated that "failure to include all the transit MRNs in the GMR means that we cannot complete the Office of Transit checks." This new penalty is designed to ensure all hauliers adhere to the correct procedures and maintain efficient customs processing.
Key Takeaways:
- Effective April 7th: New fines of up to £2,500 for hauliers failing to include all MRNs in their GMR.
- GVMS Compliance: Ensure all MRNs are accurately entered into GVMS before ferry crossings.
- Pre-Lodgement: All necessary declarations must be submitted in advance.
- Information Availability: Border Force and HMRC have been providing information to hauliers to raise awareness.
We are here to help you navigate these changes and ensure your goods move smoothly and efficiently. We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as necessary.
Contact our team today to discuss how these changes may affect you and to find out how we can assist you in maintaining full compliance.
