Goods Vehicle Movement Service

Introduction

Introduction to the Goods Vehicle Movement Service.

The Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) was introduced on 1 January 2021 when customs controls began for the movement of goods to and from the European Union (EU). Traders are required to make customs declarations for goods that they move into or out of the EU. This includes movements between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

GVMS was developed to support the pre-lodgement model in managing customs control of goods moving by roll on roll off (RoRo) routes to maintain the flow of goods at the ports.  

GVMS is an enveloping system that brings together multiple declaration reference numbers into a single goods movement reference (GMR). This facilitates the clearance of goods through customs.  

Goods will not be able to be moved via routes that use GVMS without a GMR.