Customs Clearance Made Simple

What is GVMS? – It is the UK’s new border IT system

The Government has published the 206 page Border Operating Model (click here)  , which gives a detailed overview of how goods will be imported and exported between the UK and the EU from the 1^st January 2021.  This document should be read in conjunction with previously issued documents such as the UK Tariff and additional, still to be released information, giving more detailed guidance on how processes will function.

In many ways the documents are a realisation that the procedures adopted in the major ports for containerised freight are not appropriate for the high volume traffic flows crossing by Ro-Ro & Rail between the UK and EU.  Whilst many familiar with Rest of the World Traffic will find that much of the documents content is familiar to them, there are specific new processes for providing information to drivers and managing traffic flows which are new and need to be carefully considered.

Trafertir continuously monitoring the introduction of GVMS carefully in order to ensure that we provide all our clients with the most up to date information.

Import movements EU -> UK

Trafertir has an in house customs clearance team who will insure that your inbound movements move from the country of origin directly to our in house ETSF customs facility to customs clear in house. By cargo moving in Transit under T-1 or T-2 status, your goods will be moved seamlessly across borders and ensure minimal delays.

Export Movements UK -> EU

Our in house customs team will prepare all the necessary export transit documentation. Trafertir intend to export cargo from the UK under T-1 status to the country of destination in order to move seamlessly across borders. In cooperation with our European Partners, we provide internal customs warehousing facilities as well as many years of customs experience to ensure a quick and seamless customs clearance and onward delivery service to the final destination that ensures that we minimise any potential delays.

Trafertir will only act as a Direct Representative when completing any documents, either on behalf an importer, exporter, forwarder or transport company.

EORI number

If you have not already done so you will need to apply for an EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number. You can apply for your EORI number via the following link here. 

Are you legally established within the UK click here

Authority for a Customs Clearance Agent (ACCA) to act as a Direct Representative. (Also known as a Letter of Empowerment or Letter of Power of Attorney)

Please download and complete the “ACCA” Authority for a Customs Clearance Agent form from the Brexit tab on our website and send back to your main contact at Trafertir International Transport.

Necessary supporting paperwork

Please make sure that your shipments are supported by a commercial export/import invoice that contains the following information:-

• A plain language description of the goods, in addition to any technical description or product code.
• EORI number of the exporter / importer
• Full quantities and net/gross weights (on a separate packing list if applicable)
• The Country of Origin of the goods
• The Full Value and Currency of the goods
• The terms of shipment – for example the Incoterms® applicable
• The HS Classification, or Commodity Code, of all the goods shipped

• Without receiving the necessary information on invoices  prior to dispatch, shipments will most likely be delayed.

Classification of Goods – Commodity codes or tariff headings
It is the importer and exporter’s legal responsibility to provide the correct information to the Custom Broker completing the declaration. This information should be quoted exporters or importers invoices. The link below gives information on how to classify your goods. Find Commodity Code

We recommend you keep yourself updated via government links below and if you have not already done so, register to receive updates from the UK Government.

Top level UK Government guidance is available Click here

Get your business ready to export from the UK to the EU after Brexit Click here

Get your business ready to import from the EU to the UK after Brexit Click here

If you require any further information or clarification on the above, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Our aim is to work for you, not get you to work for us… As a leading International transport and logistics provider we are well placed to meet the needs in many business sectors. Trafertir have extensive experience in most business sectors and we are confident that we can provide you with a right solution to meet your needs from door to door or from start to finish.