ATA Carnets and GMRs: Do You Need One for Your Journey?
If you are travelling with an ATA Carnet, understanding whether a Goods Movement Reference (GMR) is required is essential to help avoid delays at the border.
While a GMR is not required for every ATA Carnet movement, road movements through ports and routes operating the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) do require one. This includes key RoRo routes such as the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel.
What is a GMR?
A GMR is a reference created through HMRC's Goods Vehicle Movement Service. It brings together the customs and movement references associated with the goods being carried and is used to facilitate the movement through the border.
For ATA Carnet movements, the ATA Carnet reference number must be included in the GMR.
When is a GMR required for ATA Carnet goods?
HMRC confirms that a GMR is required when travelling through ports using GVMS. For ATA Carnet movements, this includes RoRo movements through routes such as:
Port of Dover
Eurotunnel
Fishguard
Heysham
Holyhead
Liverpool
Pembroke
Newhaven
GVMS may also apply at other ports depending on the route and carrier, so it is important to check the requirements for your particular journey before travelling.
What information is needed for the GMR?
For an ATA Carnet movement, you will generally need:
The ATA Carnet reference number – found on the front cover of the Carnet.
The vehicle registration number for accompanied movements.
Trailer or container reference details, where applicable for unaccompanied movements.
The relevant customs and transport information required for the journey.
The original paper ATA Carnet must travel with the goods. For eATA movements, the electronic Carnet and associated barcode must be available as required.
The GMR should be completed before the vehicle arrives at the port for check-in. Carriers can refuse to allow a vehicle to proceed if a valid GMR is not available or if the vehicle, trailer or container details do not match the GMR.
GM Chamber can arrange your GMR
You don't have to arrange the GMR yourself.
As part of our ATA Carnet support service, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce can issue the GMR on your behalf, taking the hassle out of the process and helping to ensure the required information is correctly included before you travel.
If you are travelling with an ATA Carnet and your journey requires a GMR, simply provide us with the relevant journey and vehicle details and our team can arrange the GMR for you.
This provides an additional level of reassurance that your Carnet and GMR requirements have been considered together before your journey.
Don't forget the ATA Carnet customs formalities
A GMR does not replace the requirement to have the ATA Carnet properly presented to Customs.
For departures from Great Britain, the Carnet must be presented to Customs for endorsement before the goods leave the UK. When travelling via a RoRo ferry or the Channel Tunnel, HMRC guidance sets out the relevant requirements for presenting the Carnet to Customs.
The Carnet must continue to accompany the goods throughout the journey and be presented to Customs whenever required.
What about travelling by air?
If you are travelling with Carnet goods as accompanied baggage by air, a GMR would not normally be required because GVMS applies to relevant goods vehicle movements.
However, the ATA Carnet and goods must still be presented to Customs for the appropriate endorsements at departure and arrival.
Before you travel
Before travelling with an ATA Carnet, make sure you have checked:
✓ Whether your route uses GVMS
✓ Whether a GMR is required
✓ That the ATA Carnet reference is correctly included in the GMR
✓ That vehicle, trailer and container details match the GMR
✓ That the original Carnet or eATA is available with the goods
✓ Where and when the Carnet needs to be presented to Customs
✓ Whether you need to attend an Inland Border Facility before departure
Or, let GM Chamber take care of the GMR for you.
Expert ATA Carnet support from GM Chamber
Our International Trade and Export Documentation teams provide a complete, one-stop service throughout your ATA Carnet journey.
Whether you need help determining whether an ATA Carnet is required, applying for and issuing your Carnet, arranging your GMR, or understanding Customs procedures, our experienced specialists are here to make the process as straightforward as possible.
For expert support, contact the team on 0161 393 4314 or email exportdocs@gmchamber.co.uk.
Want to build your knowledge? Join one of our ATA Carnet training sessions or explore our wider programme of international trade courses at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
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