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Hauliers … get ready for new Customs rules in the New Year
January 1st 2022, and new Customs rules come into effect for the movement of goods between Britain and the EU 

For the benefit of hauliers, customs clearing agents and freight forwarders, Aerona is passing on information provided by HMRC in order to enable you to prepare now for the imminent new Customs rules that will come into force on January 1st 2022. 

If you are a haulier who moves goods to or from Britain and the EU you need to be aware and prepared for the new Customs rules that commence on the first day of the New Year. 

In a nutshell, businesses will not be permitted to delay making import declarations. If you move goods from the EU using ports that operate the pre-lodgment modal or the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) you need to ensure that the businesses whose goods you are moving make the import declaration before you reach the UK border. 

From the beginning of next year all border locations will be required to control imported or exported goods.You will not be allowed to pass through the port unless you have received Customs clearance at that port, or unless you have been directed to an Inland Border Facility (IBF) for relevant checks. 

Because some UK ports will use GVMS to clear goods through Customs you must register for GVMS now!  

From January 1st 2022 you must use one of these ports and you will not be able to clear your goods into the UK if you are not registered. 

Register for GVMS at: www.gov.uk/register-to-move-goods 

You can also find out which ports use GVMS by going to: www.gov.uk/goods-vehicle-movement-ports

Important. Ports that use GVMS will require pre-lodged references with a single reference number. This is called a Goods Movement Reference (GMR). You will need to present a valid GMR to the carrier for check-in. 

The driver moving these goods will usually create a GMR, although this can be done by the haulier manager or through Aerona Customs Clearing Agents as the trader’s Customs Agent. 

Remember, you must create a separate GMR for each vehicle! 

If the goods are being moved via Eurotunnel, the Port of Dover or Holyhead may need to carry out a Customs check at an Inland Border Facility (IBF) before they depart or arrive in Britain. Drivers will need to check their GMR to confirm whether their cargo requires checks. 

Drivers can check the GMR before they disembark if they have a smart phone with Internet access. If this cannot be done then the haulier manager will need to confirm this to the driver by phone.  

Check this out at: www.gov.uk/using-goods-vehicle-movement-service 

If the driver does require checks then they should go to an IBF that is local to the port. Details of IBF locations are available at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/attending-an-inland-border-facility 

If you would like additional information, or require clarity concerning these new Customs rules then please do not hesitate to contact Aerona and we will be pleased to assist you in any way we can. You can call us on: 0161 652 3443. You can also email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or you can send us an online message using the form that can be found on our Contact page.