A step-by-step process to what is required is when exporting goods through a GVMS port from the 1st of January 2022
On the 1st of January 2022, the phased import controls will be ending and hauliers will be required to process their goods on GVMS to get their shipments into Great Britain. The portal is also going to be used to help the export traffic leaving Great Britain to ensure that the UK can meet internation obligations to be seen as a reliable trading partner.
This means that if you're not registered, and attempt to move goods through a GVMS port, you won't be able to board the ferry, cross the border or clear your goods through customs.
We have previously published a few articles on this subject, and if you're not sure if GVMS applies to you, we recommend reading them first.
Export Controls
It is a vital part of the UK's international trade obligations to be seen as a reliable trading partner, and it is critical to maintain public health, safety and security. This means that export controls will be introduced for goods leaving the UK to enter the EU from the 1st of January 2022 and GVMS will make it easier for HMRC to intervene and inspect goods before they leave the country.
From the 1st of January 2022, the following requirements must be met for all goods leaving the UK:
Goods must be presented to customs and export declarations must be arrived in HMRC systems. This triggers a risk assesment to determine whether any checks are required. For the majority of traders, the presentation and arrival process must take place when the goods are in a customs approved area. This is to avoid the risk of traders substituting goods if they are made aware of checks before the goods enter customs control.
Goods must be verified (either arrived for the first time or re-arrived) at the frontier and Permission to Process (P2P) must be granted before the goods can be exported. This is because HMRC must have the opportunity to intervene and complete key final checks before goods leave the country.
A message must be sent to HMRC to confirm that the goods have left the UK and to record the time of departure. This is so that guarantees can be released and ensures that only goods that have genuinely left the UK market are recorded as having left and are therefore not subject to VAT and other duties.
Step by Step Process
It's important to note that the process changes slightly dependent on the port the export is going to be leaving from.
This part of the process guide is the Arrived process for Dover, Eurotunnel, Holyhead, Fishguard, Pembroke, Liverpool & Heysham.
Pre-requisites
Prior to Arrival at GB Point of Exit
Declarant/Trader submits an "arrived" combined export and safety & security declaration into CHIEF - this can be done by ACT Forwarding
Trader must provide Declaration Unique Consignment Reference Number (DUCR) from arrival declaration to haulier
Haulier creates GMR and populates with intended vehicle/trailer registration number and crossing details
Haulier acts on information from GVMS and declarant/trader on whether goods have Permission to Proceed (P2P) or need either a Route 1 (document inspection) or 2 (physical inspection) check
Selection Result
If goods require Route 1 check, documents need to be submitted to National Clearance Hub (NCH) or other Government Department by trader - ACT will manage this process for you
If goods require Route 2 check, haulier/driver is told by trader/declarant to proceed to an Inland Border Facility (Dover, Eurotunnel, Holyhead) or local checking facility (Fishguard, Pembroke, Liverpool, Heysham)
If goods have P2P, declarant is notified and the goods are legally accepted to leave the country. Haulier/driver proceeds to port
Route 1 - Documentary Inspection
Trader awaits P2P from CHIEF and informs declarant if goods granted and goods legally accepted to leave
If P2P is granted, driver can progress to the point of exit
Route 2 - Physical Inspection
Goods remain at controlled location until P2P is granted by CHIEF and declaration is legally accepted
Once P2P is in place for all declarations associated within one GMR, vehicle/trailer can proceed to port
Upon Arrival at GB Point of Exit
Haulier provides GMR to carrier
Carrier captures GMR and VRN/TRN at check in and sends to GVMS to validate GMR and P2P status
If GMR is invalid or no P2P in place, vehicles will be turned away
Confirmation of Departure
Carrier sends GMRs to GVMS to indicate goods have departed
GVMS receieves GMRs and disaggregates DUCR to CDS/CHIEF to initiate Departure status
Step by Step Process
It's important to note that the process changes slightly dependent on the port the export is going to be leaving from.
This part of the process guide is the "Standard" process for all GVMS ports excluding those mentioned in the previous guide
Pre-requisites
Prior to Arrival at GB Point of Exit
Declarant/Trader submits a pre-lodged combined export and safety & security declaration into CHIEF - this can be done by ACT Forwarding
Trader must provide Declaration Unique Consignment Reference Number (DUCR) from arrival declaration to haulier
Haulier creates GMR and populates with intended vehicle/trailer registration number and crossing details
Upon Arrival at GB Point of Exit
Haulier provides GMR to carrier
Carrier captures GMR and VRN/TRN at check in and sends to GVMS to validate and "arrive" the declaration
If GMR is invalid, vehicles will be turned away
Carrier receieves notification if goods have Permission to Proceed.
Selection Result
If goods require Route 1 check, the driver is directed to a designated area within the port whilst documents are submitted to the National Clearance Hub (NCH) or other Government Department by trader - ACT will manage this process for you
If goods require Route 2 check, haulier/driver is directed to inspection facility
If goods have P2P, declarant is notified and the goods are legally accepted to leave the country. Haulier/driver can board the vessel
At Onsite Inspection Facility
Goods remain at controlled location until P2P is granted by CHIEF for either documentary check or physical inspection.
Once P2P is in place for all declarations associated within one GMR, GVMS sends release message to haulier to confirm vehicle/trailer can board the vessel. Declarant/trader is notified that goods are legally accepted.
If goods are not cleared, these will be seized at the point of exit.
GB Point of Exit/Board Vessel
Haulier/drivers with P2P can board the vessel
Confirmation of Departure
Carrier sends GMRs to GVMS to indicate goods have departed
GVMS receieves GMRs and disaggregates DUCR to CDS/CHIEF to initiate Departure status
Attending an Inland Border Facility
To help speed up the process should your selection result indicate you need to go to an Inland Border Facility for documentary or physical checks, HMRC have introduced both an app and a website to help make the process on site faster.