ENS, GMR and BTOM — The Basics of the UK Border Security System

Since 2021, road transport between Poland and the UK has been subject to a multi-layered system of border controls. The three abbreviations you need to know are ENS, GMR and BTOM. Without understanding how they relate to each other, it is hard to manage day-to-day logistics on this route efficiently.

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ENS — Entry Summary Declaration

ENS is a safety and security declaration lodged with HMRC in the S&S GB service before goods enter Great Britain. It plays a similar role to the EU's ICS2 (Import Control System 2), which handles ENS for goods entering the EU. For goods moving from the EU to GB it has been required since 31 January 2025. More in ENS declaration: what it is and when to file.

Who lodges the ENS?

The legal duty to lodge the ENS rests with the carrier, the party operating the means of transport. For accompanied ro-ro ferries that is the haulage company, for unaccompanied trailers the ferry operator, and for Eurotunnel the haulage company. A third party such as a customs agency can lodge the ENS for the carrier, but only with the carrier's knowledge and consent, and responsibility for lodging it remains with the carrier (GOV.UK).

When should the ENS be lodged?

Minimum timings according to HMRC guidance:

• RoRo (ferry, accompanied or unaccompanied): minimum 2 hours before arrival
• Channel Tunnel (road): minimum 1 hour before arrival at the Eurotunnel terminal at Coquelles
• Rail transport: 1 hour (journey under 2 hours) or 2 hours (over 2 hours) before arrival
• Short sea journeys (including containers): minimum 2 hours before arrival; containerised cargo on longer sea routes – minimum 24 hours before loading at the port of departure

An ENS can be amended until the goods arrive, but the original declaration must be lodged on time. Good practice: lodge the ENS at the moment the goods are loaded — not "on the way" to the port. This removes the risk of missing the deadline and gives you time to correct any errors.

What does the ENS contain?

The ENS must contain the carrier's details, the vehicle and trailer registration number, the route (port of departure → UK port), detailed information about the goods (description, weight, HS code, consignor and consignee) and information about the ports and terminals. Once the declaration is accepted, the system issues an ENS MRN and the declaration is risk assessed.

GMR — Goods Movement Reference

The GMR is a unique goods movement number generated in the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) run by HMRC. For ro-ro movements into Great Britain it is always mandatory at the ports of Dover, Eurotunnel, Fishguard, Heysham, Holyhead, Liverpool, Pembroke and Newhaven, and at some other ports (for example Hull, Harwich or Immingham) it depends on the carrier – HMRC maintains the current list of ports. How it works is explained in how GVMS works for a haulier.

How is a GMR created?

The GMR is created by the carrier, or a party acting for it, with access to the GVMS system. To create a GMR you need:

• the MRN from the CDS import declaration (if applicable) or the NCTS transit MRN,
• the MRN from the ENS (safety and security declaration) — for EU to GB movements including it is optional,
• the vehicle registration number (accompanied movements) or the trailer or container number (unaccompanied movements) — it must match exactly.

How does the driver use the GMR?

The driver presents the GMR number to the carrier at the port. The carrier lets the vehicle embark if the number is valid; if it is not, the driver cannot embark until the correct information is provided (GOV.UK). After arriving in Great Britain, the GMR is used to check whether the load needs to be inspected.

BTOM — Border Target Operating Model

BTOM is the border control operating model published by the UK government in August 2023, rolled out in several phases from 2024. Its aim is to standardise and tighten import controls, particularly for food products, plants and animals. Practical tips for importers: BTOM after Brexit – what to check before moving goods.

What did BTOM change for PL-UK transport?

• From 31 January 2024: health certificates for medium-risk animal products, plants and plant products, and high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin from the EU
• From 30 April 2024: documentary and physical checks on SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) goods from the EU, based on risk category
• From 31 January 2025: safety and security declarations (ENS) for goods moving from the EU to GB
• IPAFFS: the notification system for regulated goods — must be submitted before entry; for high-risk and medium risk A plants, at least 4 working hours (ro-ro and air) or 1 working day (other freight) in advance

For standard industrial cargo (car parts, consumer goods), BTOM did not introduce fundamental changes beyond the standard ENS/GMR clearance. For food, plant and animal cargo, the change is significant. Medium-risk (A and B) fruit and vegetables from the EU are temporarily treated as low risk – no phytosanitary certificate, notification or checks – but check the current status on GOV.UK before shipping.

Document flow — from loading to clearance

LOADING → ENS lodged (ENS MRN obtained)
       ↓
Carrier or agency creates the GMR in GVMS (registration number + declaration MRNs; ENS MRN optional)
       ↓
Driver travels to the port with the GMR number
       ↓
PORT: carrier checks the GMR → valid: boarding / not valid: no boarding until the data is corrected
       ↓
AFTER ENTRY: GMR checked for inspection; import clearance (CDS) → import MRN

Key systems and contacts

• Contacting HMRC about customs: Customs, international trade and excise enquiries — GOV.UK
• GVMS and GMR: Create a goods movement reference — GOV.UK
• ENS: Safety and security import requirements: entry summary declarations — GOV.UK

You can find a detailed guide to all UK procedures for carriers and freight forwarders in the UK customs procedures compendium maintained by easyclearance.pl. We also cover pre-border formalities in ENS and GMR when importing from the UK. For a specific haul, get in touch.

Summary

As at 25 October 2026. Check for changes at gov.uk/hmrc.

Frequently asked questions