ENS and GMR When Importing from the UK — Formalities Before the Border 2026

ENS and GMR When Importing from the UK — Formalities Before the Border 2026

Since 2021, every lorry travelling from the UK to the EU must have a GMR — without it, it cannot board the ferry at Dover or enter the Eurotunnel. The ENS/GVMS system is a mandatory security gateway on the UK side. We explain how it works and who is responsible for what.

Questions and answers — ENS and GMR

What is the ENS and why is it required?

The ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) is an electronic notification of the shipment lodged with HMRC before entry into the UK. It is used for security and customs risk control — HMRC systems analyse the ENS and can flag a shipment for inspection even before it reaches the port. For imports from the UK: the ENS relates to notifying the entry of goods into UK territory before loading onto a ship or Eurostar.

What is the difference between a GMR and an MRN?

• GMR — Goods Movement Reference, relates to the vehicle/ferry; scanned on entry to the UK port
• MRN — Movement Reference Number, relates to the export/import customs declaration; confirmation that the declaration has been lodged in HMRC's CDS system

The driver needs both: an MRN (export, on the supplier's side) + a GMR (for entry to the port). The customs agency on the UK side supplies both numbers before the lorry departs.

When does the GMR need to be ready?

The GMR must be generated before the driver enters the port terminal — in practice, at least a few hours before the crossing. A good customs agency delivers the GMR via WhatsApp/SMS within minutes of the ENS being lodged, not within a few days. If the crossing changes unexpectedly, the GMR has to be cancelled and a new one issued — this is standard procedure.

What happens if the driver does not have a GMR at the border?

A driver without a GMR is turned away from the terminal gate and has to wait until the customs agency generates one. In practice this holds up the whole shipment for several hours and risks losing the ferry slot. When using an agency that operates 24/7, such a situation should not be possible — there is always someone available by phone.

How much do the ENS and GMR cost?

The cost of ENS + GMR handling by a customs agency is quoted individually per shipment. For subscription-based handling of regular deliveries, this amount is usually included in the package. Check the easyclearance.pl packages.