A GMR and an ENS are two different parts of entering the United Kingdom: the GMR is a GVMS reference linking the customs and transit declarations for a vehicle, while the ENS is the safety and security declaration lodged before the goods arrive. One does not replace the other, so check both before departure.
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GMR and ENS are very often lumped together, and that leads to mistakes just before departure to the port. In practice these are two different parts of the process. If a carrier or freight forwarder confuses their roles, the risk of a hold-up increases exactly when time matters most.
This guide sets the topic out simply: how GMR differs from ENS, when each element is needed, and what is worth checking before moving to the United Kingdom. If you need operational support, also see our page on customs procedures for importing to the UK.
See also the video
If you want to quickly see how the ENS process looks operationally before the port, this video pairs well with the difference between ENS and GMR.
GMR and ENS - the shortest distinction
- GMR (Goods Movement Reference) is a number created in the GVMS system for movements through locations using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service; it links the customs and transit declaration references for a vehicle.
- ENS is the Entry Summary Declaration, i.e. the safety and security declaration lodged before the goods arrive; for imports into Great Britain (GB) it is lodged in the Safety and Security GB service.
- A GMR does not replace the ENS, and the ENS does not replace the GMR.
When a GMR is needed
According to GOV.UK guidance, a GMR is needed by anyone moving goods through locations that use GVMS, once registered for the service. You must enter a reference for all goods in the vehicle, trailer or container: the vehicle registration number (accompanied) or the trailer or container number (unaccompanied), the MRNs of import declarations, transit references (NCTS MRN) and ATA or TIR carnet references. A GMR is not needed, for example, for goods brought into the UK for personal use.
In practice you need to check:
- whether the route runs through a port or terminal served by GVMS,
- whether you have the right references ready to attach,
- whether the vehicle and trailer details match the documents.
When the ENS is needed
The ENS concerns the safety and security layer. It is a separate declaration required before the goods arrive in the United Kingdom; the carrier is responsible for it and can lodge it itself or through a customs agent (it should not be lodged twice for the same shipment). The minimum time limits are at least 2 hours before arrival for roll-on roll-off ferries (accompanied and unaccompanied) and at least 1 hour before arrival at the Eurotunnel terminal at Coquelles (GOV.UK).
For EU to GB movements the ENS MRN can be added to the GMR, but this is optional; it is required for movements from GB to Northern Ireland. If you include the ENS reference, lodge the declaration by the earlier of the minimum time limit and the port check-in closing time. For movements into Northern Ireland, ICS2 applies rather than Safety and Security GB. The differences are explained in Safety and Security GB ENS or ICS2.
The most common mistake looks like this: the shipment already has a GMR ready, but no one has confirmed whether the ENS has actually been lodged. The problem then only surfaces at the border crossing.
What to check before departing for the UK
- Verify whether the route requires GVMS and the creation of a GMR.
- Check who is responsible for the ENS and whether the declaration has already been sent.
- Compare the vehicle, trailer, carrier and document reference data.
- Make sure the EORI number and commercial documents are consistent with the clearance.
- If transit is involved, also check the references for the T1 document.
The most common scenarios that end in a hold-up
- A GMR created on incomplete or inconsistent references.
- No confirmation that the ENS has been lodged by the correct party.
- A change of vehicle or trailer without updating the data.
- Assuming that because there is an MRN or a T1, the security side of things is automatically closed.
What to prepare before contacting a customs agency
- the vehicle and trailer registration number,
- the route and the port of departure / entry,
- the MRN, T1 or other references linked to the shipment,
- information on who is lodging the ENS,
- the commercial invoice and basic data about the goods.
Summary
GMR and ENS are not the same stage of the process. For a movement to the UK to go through without chaos, both things need to be checked separately, and early enough. If you would like us to verify your documents before the port, send the case over for review or give us a call.
Official sources
- GOV.UK: Get a goods movement reference
- GOV.UK: Goods Vehicle Movement Service
- GOV.UK: Making an entry summary declaration
- GOV.UK: Get an EORI number
See also
- ENS declaration: what it is and when to file
- GMR and GVMS in the UK – how to get a GMR number
- How to check GMR status in GVMS
- GMR error before the port – 7 things to check
Frequently asked questions
Does a GMR replace the ENS?
No. A GMR links declaration and transit references in GVMS, while the ENS is a separate safety and security declaration. The ENS MRN can be added to a GMR for EU to GB movements, but adding it does not replace lodging the ENS.
Does every route to the UK require a GMR?
No. A GMR is needed for movements through locations that use GVMS, once registered for the service. It is not needed, for example, for goods brought into the UK for personal use.
Who lodges the ENS and by when?
The carrier is responsible for the ENS and can lodge it itself or through a customs agent. The minimum time limit is 2 hours before arrival for roll-on roll-off ferries and 1 hour before arrival at the Eurotunnel terminal at Coquelles.
What most often causes a problem before departure?
Assuming that because the GMR is ready, every obligation is closed. Usually a missing ENS confirmation or an error in the references or in the vehicle and trailer details then surfaces.
Do I have to add the ENS to the GMR for EU to Great Britain movements?
It is optional for EU to GB movements, though you can do it; it is required for GB to Northern Ireland. If you add the ENS, lodge it by the earlier of the minimum time limit and the port check-in closing time.
Related guides
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