UK Border Procedures – GMR, ENS, EORI, Safety & Security

Streamlined Customs Control for Every Border Crossing

Since Brexit, all goods moving between the UK, the EU and third countries must comply with detailed border formalities.
At Terminus, we ensure your shipments meet every requirement — from EORI registration and ENS filings to GMR generation and Safety & Security checks — so your vehicles cross the border without delay.

EORI – Economic Operator Registration and Identification

An EORI number is the starting point for any customs activity in the UK.
Every business that imports or exports goods must hold a valid GB EORI issued by HMRC.

  • GB EORI – used for trade between Great Britain and non-UK countries (including the EU).
  • XI EORI – required for movements to or from Northern Ireland, due to the Windsor Framework.

Terminus can verify or obtain your EORI registration and ensure it is linked to your CDS and GVMS accounts, preventing delays at the frontier.

GMR – Goods Movement Reference

A GMR (Goods Movement Reference) is required for vehicles moving goods through roll-on roll-off (RoRo) ports such as Dover, Holyhead or the Channel Tunnel.
It is generated in the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) and acts as a single digital record linking all customs declarations related to a vehicle or trailer.

You need a GMR when:

  • Transporting goods under T1/T2 transit, export or import declarations.
  • Moving goods between Great Britain and the EU via GVMS ports.
  • Carrying multiple consignments under a single haulier reference.

The driver must present the valid GMR barcode at the port to be granted boarding.
Terminus handles GMR creation and management 24/7 — ensuring your vehicle is pre-lodged and “border-ready”.

ENS – Entry Summary Declaration (Safety & Security GB)

An Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) provides advance cargo information to UK customs authorities before goods arrive.
From 2024 onwards, all inbound movements to Great Britain require an ENS filed through the S&S GB system (Safety & Security Great Britain).

Key points:

  • ENS must be submitted before arrival at the first UK port.
  • Carriers are generally responsible, but traders may submit via their agents.
  • Data must include shipper, consignee, HS codes, consignments, and conveyance details.
  • Non-submission may result in fines, cargo holds, or denied entry.

Terminus prepares and transmits ENS data in accordance with UK Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) requirements, integrating it with your customs declaration or transit documents for seamless clearance.

Safety & Security Controls

The UK applies risk-based Safety & Security checks to protect its borders.
These include:

  • Pre-arrival data analysis via the S&S GB platform.
  • Automated targeting of high-risk shipments by HMRC and Border Force.
  • Random inspections at ports and inland facilities.

Our systems ensure your declarations include accurate cargo data, reducing the chance of unnecessary inspections or holds.