1 January 2022 Changes to Process
The government has confirmed that current customs arrangements for goods moving from Ireland and Northern Ireland to Great Britain will be extended for as long as discussions between the UK and EU on the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol (NIP) are ongoing. This temporary extension avoids any disruption while discussions with the EU over the operation of the NIP take place. For goods moving between the EU and Northern Ireland, the current arrangements under the NIP continue to apply.
The following requirements were introduced in January 2021 and remain in place.
An import declaration (GMR) must be pre-lodged with HMRC and a safety and security declaration submitted to HMRC.
You can use BEEMS Pre-lodgement to obtain your GMR. It is a purpose-built online product, which you will find on our parent company, DP World’s, CARGOES Community platform. The easy to use tool connects direct to the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) and offers users real-time status updates and notifications on your GMR.
Alternatively you can use the UK government’s free (GVMS) system to create a GMR.
Initial Steps
- Register for an EORI number - here
- Decide who will handle import and safety and security declarations. To help guide you through, the UK Government established a Trader Support Service (TSS)
- Book with P&O Ferries as you always have done
- An import declaration must be pre-lodged with HMRC, as well as the necessary safety and security declarations
Before arrival at Cairnryan
The GMR must be ready for check in before arrival at Cairnryan.
Drivers must have all the relevant documentation before reaching the port or their goods will not be able to enter the terminal. P&O Ferries will not be able to process emails containing customs information at check-in.
At check-in in Cairnryan
Drivers of all empty and loaded trailers must present the correct GMR to our check-in staff on arrival.
P&O Ferries will validate the GMR in GVMS, confirming checked in crossing details and Vehicle/Trailer Registration Numbers (VRN/TRNs) match the details included in GMR.
During Crossing
Customers using BEEMS Pre-lodgement can view the status of the GMR through the tool and users will be sent status notifications by (via SMS and Email). This will indicate if Goods require an inspection at arrival.
Customers using GVMS can view the status of the GMR via the gov.uk service.
Vehicles/units without a release note will not be able to leave the terminal.
On Arrival in Larne
If the driver has been notified an inspection is required the driver should follow signage to the inspection facilities.
If you are unsure and you would like some further guidance post Brexit, check out our Brexit FAQs.
