What Is GVMS?
The Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) is an HMRC IT system that links customs declarations to the physical movement of goods vehicles at UK RoRo ports and rail terminals.
At ports like Dover, hauliers cannot board a ferry or cross the border without a Goods Movement Reference (GMR) — a unique code generated by GVMS that confirms the vehicle's customs declarations are in order.
Why Was GVMS Introduced?
GVMS was introduced to make the RoRo border process more efficient and to ensure goods are only moved when they have valid customs declarations. Before GVMS, the process relied on physical paper documents and manual checks, which were slow and error-prone.
GVMS creates a digital link between:
- The customs declaration (submitted to HMRC via CDS)
- The vehicle movement (the ferry or train booking)
- The port arrival (checked at the port gate)
How Does GVMS Work Step by Step?
Step 1 — Customs declaration is pre-lodged
The customs agent submits the import or export declaration to HMRC's CDS system and obtains a Movement Reference Number (MRN).
Step 2 — GMR is created
Using the MRN(s), a Goods Movement Reference is created in GVMS. The GMR links one or more MRNs to a specific vehicle journey.
Step 3 — GMR is given to the haulier
The GMR code (a short alphanumeric string) is shared with the haulier. The haulier loads it onto their device or prints it.
Step 4 — Haulier presents GMR at port
When the truck arrives at the Dover port gate, the GMR is scanned. The system checks that all declarations are in order and grants or denies access to the ferry.
Step 5 — Goods movement confirmed
Once the ferry departs, GVMS records the movement as complete. The declaration is updated in CDS.
What Happens Without a GMR?
Without a valid GMR, the haulier cannot board the ferry at a GVMS-enabled port. They will be turned away at the gate. This causes delays, missed ferry bookings, and additional costs.
Who Is Responsible for the GMR?
The responsibility for creating and providing the GMR typically sits with the customs agent or the importer/exporter. It is then passed to the haulier. We create GVMS GMRs for all our clients' shipments as part of our standard service.
GVMS at Dover
Dover is a GVMS-mandatory port. All road freight movements — both imports and exports — require a valid GMR before the vehicle can proceed to the ferry terminal.
How We Help
We handle GVMS GMR creation as part of our customs clearance service. Once your declaration is submitted and your MRN is obtained, we create the GMR and provide it directly to your haulier. No delays, no confusion.
Contact us to find out more.