In previous communications the UK government has confirmed that Northern Ireland businesses will continue to have unfettered access to the whole of the UK market. There is no requirement for Export Declarations for almost all Traders moving qualifying goods (goods that are in free circulation in Northern Ireland) directly from Northern Ireland to Great Britain.
There are some very limited exceptions where Export Declarations will be required for goods moving directly from Northern Ireland to Great Britain (declared into the Customs Declaration Service from 16 May 2021). These are; if the goods are under a Customs Special Procedure in Northern Ireland, in an authorised temporary storage facility, or on a list of goods for which specific processes apply based on specific international obligations. You can find a list of these goods here:
Both Declarants and Hauliers need to be aware of these changes to understand their obligations for submitting Export Declarations, where required, as these will now need to be “pre-lodged” when goods are moved via locations using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS).
As the Ports of Belfast, Larne and Warrenpoint have adopted GVMS, you will need to:
- Register for GVMS and create a Goods Movement Reference (GMR) if you are new to GVMS
- Or – if you have already registered for GVMS, you will need to create a new GMR for this new movement. The GMR will need to be presented to the Carrier at check in.
Please refer to the action required by both parties below.
Action for Declarants
In almost all instances Export Declarations are not required when moving goods from NI to GB.
If as per the link above you are exporting goods from NI to GB under a Customs Special Procedure in Northern Ireland, in an authorised temporary storage facility, or on a list of goods for which specific processes apply based on specific international obligations, then you must ensure “pre-lodged” Export Declarations are made in CDS and provide the Haulier moving the goods with the following information to enable them to fulfil a Goods Movement Reference (GMR):
- Declaration Unique Consignment Reference (DUCR) – this will be generated by CDS
- Any necessary licences/permits for moving the goods
If you are moving goods under Common Transit Convention only the Transit Accompanying Document (TAD) and TAD MRN needs to be provided to the Hauliers.
If you are unsure whether you need to submit a Customs Declaration for Exports – please refer to the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/check-customs-declaration#NI
Please note that to help with Declarations being made, you can register for the Trader Support Service (TSS). The free-to-use TSS supports all businesses when moving goods between NI-GB. Register here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trader-support-service
The TSS can complete Export Declarations on your behalf provided it is given the necessary information and your customers have also registered with TSS. You can access training courses and how-to guides through the TSS education portal and access the dedicated contact centre for additional support.
Actions for Hauliers
If the Declarant (the party responsible for completing Customs Declarations – who may be your customer) requests you move goods from NI to GB that are under a Customs Special Procedure in Northern Ireland, in an authorised temporary storage facility, or on a list of goods for which specific processes apply based on specific international obligations, they must provide you with a valid Declaration Unique Consignment Reference (DUCR) and any necessary licences/permits. If you are unsure – check with the declarant.
The DUCR is required as part of a Goods Movement Reference (GMR) when using Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS). As the Ports of Belfast, Larne and Warrenpoint have adopted GVMS, you will need to:
- Register for GVMS and create a GMR if you are new to GVMS
- Or – if you have already registered for GVMS, you will need to create a new GMR for this new movement. The GMR will need to be presented to the Carrier at check in.
Please note that any goods moved as described will require “pre-lodgement” via CDS and it is the responsibility of the Haulier to ensure a GMR is completed – you will not be allowed to board any ferries without a valid GMR.
Please note, if you are moving goods under the Common Transit Convention, and the Declarant has provided you with a Transit Accompanying Document (TAD) MRN you should continue to include this information in your GMR.
Actions for Haulier at the Exiting NI Port
The action required at the exiting NI Port is dependent upon the type of goods you are moving:
-
- If you are moving goods from NI to GB that are under a Customs Special Procedure in Northern Ireland or in an authorised temporary storage facility: then you must report straight to the Carrier check in at the exiting NI Port (Belfast/Warrenpoint/Larne)
- If alternatively, you are moving any goods from NI to GB where specific processes apply based on specific international obligations
i.e.:
- Endangered Species
- Fluorinated Gas
- Hazardous Chemicals
- Persistent Organic Pollutants
- Drug Precursor Chemicals
- Mercury and Mercury Added Products
- Rough Diamonds
- Genetically Modified Organisms
- Firearms
- Atlantic Tuna
- Dissostichus Spp (Toothfish)
- Torture Goods