KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE · CROSSING THE GB BORDER
GMR number — when is it needed and how to create it?
Moving goods between the EU and Great Britain? Check whether your crossing requires GMR, collect the correct customs-declaration references and give the driver the current code before check-in.
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What is a GMR number?
GMR (Goods Movement Reference) is a movement reference created in the British system GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service). It links transport to the required customs-declaration references. GVMS is the system; GMR is a particular goods-movement record within it.
GMR contains the references required for goods on that journey, so it may combine multiple consignments in one vehicle. The driver receives a number and barcode used by the crossing operator at check-in. GMR itself does not replace an import, export or transit customs declaration.
When is GMR required?
The deciding factors are the route, direction and operating model of the chosen port or terminal. GMR is used at GVMS locations. Do not assume identical requirements at every British port.
Check the crossing on HMRC’s list and confirm operator instructions before departure. In the Proste Cło app, the selected route helps establish whether GMR and other formalities can be prepared. If the port or direction changes, verify the complete document set again.
An empty journey does not always mean no GMR. GVMS includes options for empty trailers and goods eligible for oral declaration or declaration by conduct. Use them only when they match the actual transport and are accepted on that route.
What data and references should you prepare?
Collect vehicle or trailer details, planned date, departure and arrival ports and references for all goods carried. Unit identification may differ between accompanied transport and an unaccompanied trailer.
Do not add arbitrary MRNs simply because they appear on documents. The reference type depends on direction, British customs handling and procedure. Confirm it with the party preparing the customs declaration.
| Situation | What to check |
|---|---|
| Entry into GB | The appropriate British customs-declaration reference or another permitted handling option. |
| Transit under the common transit procedure | The transit customs-declaration MRN and correct linkage to GVMS. |
| Departure from GB | The British export customs-declaration reference required for the export model. |
| Special goods or an empty unit | The appropriate GVMS option, such as a carnet or permitted oral declaration; do not use a simplification without grounds. |
For one vehicle with several consignments, check the entire reference list. An omitted consignment can cause problems even if all other goods data is correct.
How to create GMR step by step?
Use HMRC’s service after GVMS registration or software integrated with it. The Proste Cło app reuses transport data instead of collecting it again across several panels.
- Create transport and set the route. Specify direction, crossing and planned journey.
- Add documents and transport data. The system reads available information from documents. Complete missing items, including transport-unit details.
- Verify references. Ensure they concern the correct customs declarations and cover the whole load.
- Approve the data and create GMR. Check the GVMS response, not just that the form was saved.
- Give the driver the number and barcode. The driver should have the current version before arriving at check-in.
How to check GMR status and prepare the driver?
The record must be ready for the crossing. Missing or rejected references may require correction before check-in. A visible number alone does not prove every customs declaration is correctly linked.
If transport data changes before check-in, update it within GVMS capabilities and operator instructions. Do not reuse a completed journey’s GMR for another crossing.
After departure or arrival, monitor further instructions. For arrivals into GB, the driver should check whether inspection is required. At Dover and the Channel Tunnel, this may mean going to a designated Inland Border Facility. Follow the specific message — GMR does not guarantee no inspection.
GMR, ELO and ENS — what must not be confused?
| Element | Role |
|---|---|
| GMR | British goods-movement reference in GVMS, used at the relevant crossings. |
| ELO | French logistics envelope for Smart Border traffic with GB; holds the appropriate French-side references. |
| ENS | Safety and security declaration submitted to the appropriate system: S&S GB or ICS2. |
On a route through the French smart border, you normally prepare elements for both sides of the Channel, but they are not interchangeable. British ENS does not go into French ELO. Adding a reference to GMR does not replace filing ENS in S&S GB.
HMRC allows an ENS number to be added optionally to GMR for entry into GB. This does not make ENS optional. More details are in our guides to ENS to Great Britain and the ELO envelope.
How much do GMR and ELO cost in the Proste Cło app?
The app’s existing offer for shipments with ENS created in Proste Cło is as follows:
| Element | Price |
|---|---|
| GMR number | PLN 0 |
| ELO envelope | PLN 0 |
| ENS declaration | PLN 15 |
Free GMR and ELO creation applies to shipments whose ENS was created in the Proste Cło app. Check the billing terms shown in your account before approving. The offer does not mean unconditional free handling of all customs formalities.
EXPERIENCED PEOPLE. DIGITAL TOOLS.
Prepare transport, documents and GMR in one place.
Your GMR is available alongside the transport and can be sent to the driver with the other documents. For British customs clearance, also explore Simple Duty services.
Create a transport and route, add documents and let the system read the data. Check, approve and submit the formalities. The app works in a browser, on Android and iPhone.
For other routes, rail or individually implemented processes, agree the scope first. Digital support does not remove presentation or required inspections.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What else should you know?
Are GMR and GVMS the same?
No. GVMS is the system; GMR is the reference for a particular goods movement created in it.
Can one GMR cover several consignments?
Yes. Include the correct references for all goods on that journey.
Does GMR replace ENS?
No. ENS is a separate safety and security declaration submitted to the relevant system.
Can an empty vehicle need GMR?
Yes, depending on the route and transport model. GVMS provides options for empty units and certain oral declarations or declarations by conduct.
Can I reuse an old GMR?
Do not use a completed journey’s GMR for another crossing. Create the correct record for the new transport.
Does a GMR number alone mean permission to cross?
Check readiness for check-in and operator and customs messages. GMR does not rule out inspection.
Is GMR free in the app?
The described offer requires the shipment’s ENS to be prepared in Proste Cło. Check billing terms in your account.
What should the driver receive?
The current GMR number and a readable barcode, plus other required documents and crossing instructions.
SOURCES AND LEGAL BASES
Check your route’s rules.
- HMRC: creating GMR and required references
- HMRC: goods-movement handling in GVMS
- HMRC: ENS and GVMS linkage
Sources checked at the 4 November 2026 revision. Before transport, verify current customs instructions, system availability and crossing-operator requirements.