Export declarations for goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain through Ireland
Find out what to do when moving goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain through Ireland using the Trader Support Service.
Contents
- When you need an export declaration
- Before you submit: who does what
- After you submit: who does what
- Leaving Northern Ireland
- At the Irish port
- Check if you need to submit an entry summary declaration
- Check if you need to submit an import declaration
- Arrival in Great Britain
When you need an export declaration
Most goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain through Ireland need an export declaration before they leave Northern Ireland.
These types of movements are known as indirect movements.
For example, you might be moving goods from Armagh to Holyhead through Dublin. In this case, you must submit an export declaration in Northern Ireland before the goods leave.
Before you submit: who does what
| Actions | Trader(seller/exporter, buyer/importer) | Transporter(carrier, haulier) | Intermediary(agent/freight forwarder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decide who will submit the customs declaration | Yes | No | Yes (if acting on behalf of the trader) |
| Check the correct EORI number is used | 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) |
| Register with the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS). You only need to do this once | No | Yes | Yes (if acting on behalf of the transporter) |
| Check if your goods need licences, certificates, and authorisations. Look under Export in each commodity code on the Northern Ireland Online Tariff (opens in a new tab) | Yes | No | Yes (if acting on behalf of the trader) |
| Prepare goods, movement, and consignment information. See what information you need: Appendix 22: Declaration Category Data Sets (opens in a new tab) | Yes | Yes | Yes (if acting on behalf of the trader) |
| Provide transport details for the Irish Pre-Boarding Notification (PBN) (opens in a new tab) | No | Yes | Yes (if acting as the transporter) |
| Submit the export declaration to HMRC through the Trader Support Service. | Yes | No | Yes (if acting on behalf of the trader) |
| Respond to any queries or requests from HMRC | Yes | No | Yes (if acting on behalf of the trader) |
| Receive export declaration acceptance and Movement Reference number (MRN) and share it with the transporter | 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 the Trader Support ServiceYou’ll get these once goods are released for movement | Yes | No | Yes (if acting on behalf of the trader) |
| Share the MRN, DUCR and all shipment details with the haulier Do not allow goods to move until release is confirmed | Yes | Yes | Yes (if acting on behalf of the trader) |
| Prepare goods for movement Ensure goods match the declaration and are correctly packed | Yes | Yes | Yes (if acting on behalf of the trader) |
| Create a goods movement reference (GMR) to leave Northern Ireland | No | Yes | Yes (if acting on behalf of the transporter) |
| Create a Pre-Boarding Notification (PBN) on the Irish Customs Roll-on/Roll-off service (opens in a new tab) using the MRN provided by the Trader Support Service | No | Yes | Yes (if acting as the haulier) |
Leaving Northern Ireland
If the goods are leaving through a GVMS location the carrier must present the goods movement reference on arrival at the port. The port authorities will then check the GMR and confirm clearance of the goods.
If the goods are leaving through a non GVMS location, the carrier must follow the procedures for that port.
At the Irish port
On arrival at the Irish port, the carrier must present at check in:
- the Irish Revenue Pre-Boarding Notification (PBN) reference and
- a copy of the export declaration (paper or electronic) including the MRN
Boarding is allowed once Irish Revenue and the ferry operator confirm clearance.
Check if you need an entry summary declaration
You'll need an entry summary declaration for movements of non-qualifying goods moving by this route.
The carrier must make an entry summary declaration on the Safety & Security Great Britain service at least 2 hours before the goods arrive in Great Britain for Roll-on/Roll-off movements.
Learn when you'll need an entry summary declaration (opens in a new tab).
Check if you need an import declaration
Qualifying goods
You do not need to submit an import declaration on arrival in Great Britain if you ‘re moving qualifying Northern Ireland goods.
For qualifying goods that do not require a customs declaration, the GMR can be created in GVMS by selecting the ‘oral or by conduct declaration' option.
Non-qualifying goods
If you are moving non-qualifying goods, you’ll need an import declaration to enter Great Britain. Once completed and a Movement Reference Number (MRN) has been generated, the MRN is used to create the GMR in GVMS.
Learn when you’ll need an import declaration: Moving qualifying goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK (opens in a new tab).
On arrival in Great Britain
On arrival, the carrier must make sure a valid GMR has been created in GVMS for the movement.
Border Force will check the GMR to confirm that the customs declarations are valid and linked to the movement. If they are, the vehicle can leave the port.