From January 2022, new customs checks mean that the hard border between the EU is almost complete. Ports and other border locations are now required to control goods moving between the EU and the UK, and vice-versa. What this means is that unless goods have a valid declaration, and have received customs clearance, they cannot be released. In most cases, this means goods will not now leave the port until all clearances have been granted.
Since 1 January 2021, traders have been able to move goods between the UK and EU without incurring customs duty, provided they can demonstrate that goods are of UK or EU origin. However, from 1 January 2022, they must hold supplier declarations to support their declaration of origin, at the time they export the goods.
In addition to the existing border requirements, a Goods Movement Reference (GMR) is now mandatory for all UK to EU and EU to UK transports, including empty vehicles. Before travel, hauliers entering via ports need to complete their GMRs using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS). This will require both a Government Gateway User ID and a GB EORI number.