When did safety and security declarations start for EU imports into Great Britain?

From 31 January 2025, under the UK Border Target Operating Model.

Usually the haulier or someone acting for them, in the UK Goods Vehicle Movement Service.

Is a GMR needed at every UK port?

No. A GMR is needed at border locations that use GVMS. Other locations use different arrangements.

Do I need both ENS and GMR?

Often, for road movements through GVMS locations. They do different jobs and one does not replace the other.

ENS and GMR for UK–EU Road Movements

Customs services only — transport and removals are not included.

In short: An ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) is advance safety and security data about goods entering a customs territory; a GMR (Goods Movement Reference) is a single reference created in the UK Goods Vehicle Movement Service that links a vehicle's customs declarations for crossing a GVMS border location.

ENS and GMR are often confused because both are needed before a vehicle reaches the border. They do different jobs: the ENS tells customs about the safety and security of the goods, while the GMR links the declarations to the vehicle so it can move through the port.

Dimond Movers explains which of these apply to your movement and what information each needs. Neither replaces the import, export or transit declaration itself.

Entry Summary Declaration (ENS)

For goods entering Great Britain from the EU, safety and security declarations became required from 31 January 2025, under the UK's Border Target Operating Model. The ENS is usually submitted through HMRC's Safety and Security GB service by the carrier or someone acting for them.

For goods entering the EU, the equivalent data is filed in the EU's ICS2 system. For road and rail, ICS2 Release 3 applies from 1 April 2025.

Goods Movement Reference (GMR)

GVMS has been in use since 1 January 2021 at border locations that use it, such as many roll-on roll-off ports. The haulier or their representative creates the GMR in GVMS, adds the references of the customs declarations (for example an export MRN or a transit MRN), and presents the GMR at check-in.

Without a valid GMR at a GVMS location, a vehicle can be refused boarding or delayed.

ENS vs GMR at a glance

ENS: safety and security data about the goods. GMR: a reference linking the vehicle to its declarations.
ENS: filed with the customs authority of the territory being entered. GMR: created in the UK GVMS only.
ENS: a declaration in its own right. GMR: not a declaration; it bundles others.

Documents usually needed

Consignor, consignee and carrier details
Goods description, commodity codes and weights
Vehicle and trailer registration
References of the export, import or transit declarations
Planned route and crossing

Common mistakes to avoid

Creating a GMR before the underlying declarations exist.
Assuming an ENS is not needed because the goods came from the EU.
Wrong vehicle registration on the GMR.
Filing EU ICS2 data late for goods entering the EU.

Timing

ENS and GMR must be in place before the vehicle reaches the border. Acceptance and any checks are controlled by HMRC and EU authorities, so we cannot promise border timings.

Frequently asked questions

When did safety and security declarations start for EU imports into Great Britain?: From 31 January 2025, under the UK Border Target Operating Model.
Who creates the GMR?: Usually the haulier or someone acting for them, in the UK Goods Vehicle Movement Service.
Is a GMR needed at every UK port?: No. A GMR is needed at border locations that use GVMS. Other locations use different arrangements.
Do I need both ENS and GMR?: Often, for road movements through GVMS locations. They do different jobs and one does not replace the other.

Official sources

Requirements are set by HMRC and EU customs authorities and can change. This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Last reviewed: 15 October 2026.