Logistics UK has prompted members to return to the UK from the EU to ensure they have the right paperwork before they travel, following changes to customs arrangements in the New Year.
On 1 January 2022, a new stage of the UK import schedule came into force with full customs conditions on EU to GB inbound trade as well as a pre-notification demand for significance of goods subject to aseptic and phytosanitary formalities.
From the morning of January, transport drivers moving goods between Great Britain (GB) and the EU through a Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) border position must be registered to use this service. Moving goods from the islet of Ireland to GB will continue under the being customs arrangements, while conversations on the Northern Ireland Protocol are ongoing.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is apprehensive of some common stoner crimes when drivers are creating Goods Movement References (GMRs) into GVMS, ranging from entering caravan references rather than Vehicle Registration Figures (VRNs) to not entering the correct type of protestation reference applicable to the movement.
Sarah Laouadi, Head of International Policy, Logistics UK, said “Following recent changes in customs arrangements, it’s imperative that all hauliers moving goods from the European Union to Great Britain are scrupulous in checking that their paperwork is in order before travelling. While HMRC is continuing to engage with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure they understand the new scores and processes, if your motorists don’t have the right paperwork, they will be unfit to board the vessel.”