The Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) – a new UK Government Customs system – will come into force next year, affecting imports from the EU.

This will bring to an end the easements that were put in place during the Brexit transition period.

What is the new requirement?

From 1st January 2022, all inbound shipments to the UK via non-inventory linked ports (such as Dover), will require a pre-lodged Customs entry prior to departure from the EU.

Movement Reference Numbers (MRN) from customs entries, or Transit Accompanying Documents (TAD) must be linked to the vehicle registration via the GVMS system by Uniserve.

Vehicles will not be allowed to cross the UK border without the GVMS system being updated and all the relevant details included in advance.

Amendments to the system after the goods have been loaded will not be possible and penalties will be applied to any undeclared goods.

What does this mean for you and your EU suppliers?

From 1st January 2022, Uniserve will not be able to load goods onto a vehicle for departure until we have a confirmed pre-lodged customs entry. Therefore, we require the commercial invoice and packing list at least 24 hours prior to shipping.

Due to the challenges, associated costs and increased complexity, in order to protect all of our clients utilising groupage services, Uniserve need to complete the import Customs clearance on your behalf. We will no longer have the luxury to communicate with third party customs brokers post-departure, and any failure to provide the correct documents could place our operation at risk.

What are the risks to your shipments?

Goods will not be loaded unless a pre-lodged import entry is completed. If goods are allocated to a trailer for departure then dead freight cancellation charges will be applied.

If documents are provided late, goods will miss the next departure and be placed into storage until the following departure. Storage charges will apply.

Non-compliances will result in trucks being delayed and demurrage charges levied.

HMRC will penalise the declarant for any non-compliance or undeclared goods.

Third party brokerage will incur additional costs and pre-lodged import entries must be provided to Uniserve before loading cut-off.

How has Uniserve prepared?

In response to the challenge, Uniserve has implemented an internal approval process in One World, our operations IT system.

One World serves as a communications platform between our overseas partner, Customs team and UK operations team, thereby providing a seamless service mitigating delays. It also provides real-time visibility and document management of all shipping and Customs documentation.

Uniserve has a 50-strong customs team based in Dover and we have increased our workforce to accommodate the changes and manage the new challenges.

If you require further information or would like to speak with one of our experts, please contact brexit@ugroup.co.uk.

If you’d like to download a PDF guide to the changes ahead, please click here.