Export declarations for moving goods directly from Northern Ireland to Great Britain
Find out if you need to use the Trader Support Service to make an export declaration for your goods movement.
Contents
- When you need an export declaration
- Before you submit: who does what
- After you submit: who does what
- Creating a case in the Trader Support Service
- At the Northern Ireland port
- On arrival in Great Britain
When you need an export declaration
You only need an export declaration if your goods are non-qualifying.
Non-qualifying (opens in a new tab) means the goods are not in free circulation in Northern Ireland.
This includes goods that are:
- moving under a customs special procedure in Northern Ireland, including transit
- held in an authorised temporary storage facility
- on the list of goods subject to specific international obligations (opens in a new tab)
If none of the above apply, this means your goods are qualifying. You can move your goods to Great Britain without an export declaration.
Before you submit: who does what
You must submit these declarations for your movements:
- an export declaration
- an entry summary declaration
You’ll need to submit both declarations before the goods leave Northern Ireland.
The Trader Support Service will update:
- Customs Declaration Service with your export declaration
- Safety and Security Great Britain (S&SGB) with your entry summary declaration
You will not need to update these services.
| Actions | Trader(seller,exporter, buyer, importer) | Transporter(carrier, haulier) | Intermediary(agent, freight forwarder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check if you need an export declaration and the goods status. | Yes | No | Yes (if acting on behalf of the trader) |
| Decide who will submit the declaration. | Yes | No | No |
| Make sure the correct XI or EU EORI numbers are in place.Note: if you are moving goods out of a customs special procedure, you must use the same EORI number that was used when the goods entered the special procedure in Northern Ireland. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Register with the Trader Support Service. You only need to do this once. | Yes | Yes | Yes (if acting on behalf of the trader) |
| Check if your goods need licences, certificates and authorisations | Yes | No | Yes (if acting on behalf of the trader) |
| Gather goods, movement and consignment information to create a case in the Trader Support Service. | Yes | Yes | Yes (if acting on behalf of the trader) |
| Submit an entry summary declaration before goods leave Northern Ireland. For roll on roll off (RoRo) this is at least 2 hours before arrival. | No | Yes | Yes (if transporting the goods) |
| Submit the form for the Trader Support Service to raise the export declaration with HMRC. | Yes | No | Yes (if acting on behalf of the trader) |
| Respond to document checks if asked. | Yes | No | Yes (if acting on behalf of the trader) |
After you submit: who does what
| Actions | Trader(seller, exporter, buyer/importer) | Transporter(carrier, haulier) | Intermediary(agent, freight forwarder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check you have the MRN and Declaration Unique Consignment Reference (DUCR) from Trader Support Service. You will get these once goods are released for movement. Share the MRN, DUCR and all shipment details with the haulier. Do not allow goods to move until release is confirmed. | Yes | No | Yes (if acting on behalf of the trader) |
| Prepare goods for movement. Make sure goods match the declaration and are correctly packed. | Yes | Yes | Yes (if acting on behalf of the trader) |
| Create a Goods Movement Reference (GMR) on GVMS. Create a GMR on GVMS using the DUCR provided by the trader or intermediary. Each GMR covers a single crossing and can only be used once. Ensure the GMR includes all required references including the MRN.Present the GMR to the carrier at check-in at Belfast, Larne or Warrenpoint. You will not be permitted to board without a valid GMR. | No | Yes | Yes (if transporting the goods) |
| Present the GMR to the carrier at the Northern Ireland port (Belfast, Larne or Warrenpoint). | No | Yes | Yes (if transporting the goods) |
Creating a case in the Trader Support Service
- You will need:
- movement details
- consignment details
- goods details
Check the detailed data requirements in Appendix 22A – declaration category data set B1 (opens in a new tab).
You can find this information from:
- commercial invoices - names of the seller or exporter, and buyer or importer, value of the goods, a description of the goods
- packing lists - number of packages, as well as their weight and size
- transport documents - CMR note (road)
At the Northern Ireland port
Traders do not need to do anything at this point.
Carriers, hauliers or intermediaries will have actions, depending on the type of goods.
Standard goods (goods not under a customs special procedure or restricted goods)
The carrier or haulier, or the intermediary needs to present the correct documentation. Belfast, Larne or Warrenpoint only.
Goods under a customs special procedure, like inward processing, customs warehousing
The carrier or haulier, or the intermediary needs to report to carrier check-in.
Goods in an authorised temporary storage facility (TSF)
The carrier or haulier, or the intermediary needs to report to carrier check-in.
Prohibited or restricted goods
The carrier or haulier, or the intermediary need to follow the processes for that port. This may vary depending on the port and the type of goods.
On arrival in Great Britain
If you are moving qualifying goods, you will not need an import declaration.
For non-qualifying goods, there may be extra requirements.
If your movement is selected for checks
You must follow any instructions from the relevant authority or port operator.
Make sure the driver has all the relevant references and documents. These might be declaration references and any certificates.