Customs services only

ENS and GMR: Safety Declarations and Goods Movement References

Customs paperwork only — no transport or removals included.

In short

An Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) is a pre-arrival safety and security filing about the goods, usually made by the carrier. A Goods Movement Reference (GMR) is a single reference created in HMRC's Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) that links a vehicle's customs declarations to its crossing at a participating UK port. They answer different questions and are not substitutes for each other.

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Last reviewed: 15 October 2026

Overview

People often hear 'ENS' and 'GMR' together because both are needed for many lorry crossings, but they do different jobs. The ENS tells customs authorities, in advance, what is coming so it can be risk-assessed for safety and security. The GMR tells the port and HMRC which declarations belong to which vehicle so that the lorry can be routed for checks or allowed through.

For goods entering Great Britain, safety and security declarations are submitted to HMRC through its Safety and Security service. For goods entering the EU, entry summary data is filed in the EU's Import Control System 2 (ICS2). In both cases the responsibility normally sits with the carrier, though data often comes from the shipper or customs agent.

A GMR is a UK concept only. It is created before the vehicle reaches a GVMS port — Dover, Eurotunnel Folkestone, Holyhead and others — and the driver presents it at check-in. It contains references for the export, import, transit or ENS records relevant to that movement.

Who this is for

Hauliers and drivers crossing via GVMS ports
Shippers asked by a carrier to supply safety and security data
Anyone confused about which reference a port or carrier is asking for

How the process usually works

1Gather goods data earlyConsignor, consignee, goods description and commodity code are needed for the ENS.
2Carrier files the ENSSubmitted before arrival within the deadlines for the transport mode.
3Lodge customs declarationsExport, import or transit declarations are made separately and produce their own references.
4Create the GMRThe haulier enters the declaration and safety references into GVMS for the specific vehicle and crossing.
5Present at the portThe driver shows the GMR at check-in; GVMS updates whether the vehicle must attend an inspection.

Documents commonly requested

Goods description and commodity code
Consignor and consignee details and EORI numbers
Vehicle registration and trailer number
Declaration references (export MRN, import entry, transit MRN)
Booking reference for the crossing

Indicative list — requirements depend on goods, route and declaration type.

Common mistakes

Treating the GMR as a customs declaration — it only links declarations to a vehicle
Using generic descriptions that fail ENS risk checks
Creating the GMR before all declaration references exist
Assuming an ENS filed for the EU covers arrival into Great Britain, or vice versa

Timing

Filing deadlines for ENS depend on the transport mode, and GMRs must be ready before the vehicle reaches the port. Border processing time depends on the authorities and port operations; we do not promise crossing times.

Key regulatory dates

31 January 2025 — Full UK safety and security declaration requirements began applying to goods arriving in Great Britain from the EU. Source
3 June 2024 — ICS2 Release 3 began for maritime and inland waterway carriers bringing goods into the EU. Source
1 April 2025 — ICS2 Release 3 extended to road and rail carriers, with the phased roll-out completed on 1 September 2025. Source

Frequently asked questions

Who files the ENS?

Normally the carrier operating the active means of transport, although another party can file with the carrier's knowledge and consent. The shipper usually supplies the goods data.

Is a GMR needed for every crossing?

A GMR is needed for goods vehicles moving through ports that use GVMS. Other ports use different arrangements, so check the route.

Can MoveQuoteLocal create a GMR?

We do not create GMRs. We can explain what your carrier or agent will need and, with your agreement, help you find a qualified provider.

Official sources

How MoveQuoteLocal can help

MoveQuoteLocal is not a licensed customs broker or authorised customs representative. Send a customs-only enquiry and our own team reviews it — nothing is passed automatically to another company. We explain what is likely to be involved and, only with your agreement, help you reach a qualified customs intermediary. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

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