Goods Vehicle Movement Service processes at the border and during crossing

Information about the processes at the border and during crossing for Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS).

Check in process  

At check in, the carrier will verify the goods movement reference (GMR) presented to them and cross check the details on the GMR with the vehicle and its trailers or containers. Vehicles will be turned away at check in if a valid GMR cannot be presented or if their vehicle registration, trailer registration or container reference numbers do not match those on the GMR.   

Embarkation  process 

Carriers must notify HMRC immediately at the point at which any crossing containing goods vehicles departs. This is when the vessel’s bow doors close, or for Eurotunnel when the train departs from the platform. This will:  

  • give HMRC details of the embarked route and details of the vessel (not applicable for Eurotunnel) 
  • change the state of all GMRs on the vessel to ‘embarked’ 
  • allow HMRC to trigger automated customs processes for the goods on the crossing 
  • update the GMR to show the most current status of the goods and will advise if there are any holds in place 

Some carriers have screens in which drivers can view if they are called for inspection however, both the driver and haulier can check the most up to date status of the GMR using the service ‘check if you need to report for an inspection’.