UK and Ireland — Jun 2026
Why UK customs still catches shippers out
Most delays we see at UK borders aren't caused by complex regulations — they're caused by small, avoidable mismatches: an EORI number that doesn't match the consignee, a commodity code that doesn't match the goods description, or a declaration submitted with the wrong reference type for the crossing being used.
The UK's import controls have also changed shape more than once since 2021, with different requirements phased in for different commodity groups. A process that worked for a shipment last year isn't guaranteed to work the same way this year, particularly for products of animal or plant origin.
ENS and pre-arrival declarations
An Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) is a safety and security declaration submitted before goods arrive in the UK. It's separate from the customs (import) declaration itself, and responsibility for submitting it depends on the transport arrangement — sometimes the carrier, sometimes the forwarder.
We cover ENS, and how it relates to the EU's ICS2 system, in more detail in our guide to ENS, ICS2 and the economic operator.
GVMS and the Goods Vehicle Movement Service
GVMS is the UK system that links the movement of a vehicle across the border to the customs declarations already made for the goods on board. Before a truck boards a ferry or the Channel Tunnel, the declarations need to be referenced and a Goods Movement Reference (GMR) created — without it, the vehicle can be stopped from boarding or held on arrival.
For hauliers running regular UK routes, GVMS works smoothly once the process is embedded into the booking workflow. For occasional shippers, it's the step most likely to be missed, because it sits between the customs declaration and the ferry booking rather than inside either one.
Documentation that needs to be right the first time
A standard commercial shipment to the UK needs, at minimum: a commercial invoice with an accurate goods description and value, the correct commodity (HS) codes, valid EORI numbers for both the exporter and the UK importer, and an import customs declaration referencing the GVMS movement.
For food, plants, and products of animal origin, additional health documentation is required on the UK side through IPAFFS — we cover this alongside other customs documents in our guide to customs documents explained.
How Alvora handles UK customs
Our customs team prepares and submits UK import declarations in-house — it isn't passed to a third-party broker partway through the process. Because the same operation plans the transport and handles the customs, a GMR is created as part of the booking, not as a separate task that has to be chased.
If you regularly move freight into the UK and want to understand how our Customs services fit alongside our UK and Ireland network, our team is happy to walk through your specific routes — get in touch and we'll talk through what's involved for your shipments.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a UK EORI number to import goods into the UK?
Yes. Any business importing goods into the UK needs an EORI number that starts with GB. If you're a non-UK business acting as the importer of record, you'll need to register for one separately from your EU EORI number.
How long does UK customs clearance take?
When the declaration, GVMS reference and any required certificates are correct and submitted in advance, clearance is usually automatic and the vehicle moves through the border without stopping. Delays happen when documentation is missing, incomplete, or doesn't match — in those cases the shipment can be held for further checks.
Do small or low-value shipments still need a customs declaration?
Yes — there's no general exemption from customs declarations based on value for commercial goods moving between the EU and the UK. Some simplified procedures exist for specific scenarios, but a declaration of some form is still required.
What happens if a shipment arrives without the right paperwork?
The vehicle can be held at the border for the missing information to be provided, which affects that load and often the driver's onward schedule too. This is why declarations and the GVMS reference need to be in place before the vehicle travels, not arranged after it arrives.