Missing MRNs? New Transit Penalties Start April 2025

Beginning on 7th April 2025, hauliers transporting goods into the UK may be subject to civil penalties of up to £2,500 if they fail to provide all required transit Movement Reference Numbers (MRNs) to the Office of Transit. For goods entering the UK through ports utilizing the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS), it is essential to include all relevant MRNs in the Goods Movement Reference (GMR) prior to the vehicle departing for the UK. This obligation is established under The Customs Transit Procedures (EU Exit) Regulations 2018.

Since 21st January, Border Force and HMRC personnel at Sevington have been distributing informational flyers to drivers who have not included all transit MRNs in their GMRs for inbound movements. This effort is designed to raise awareness among hauliers, intermediaries, and agents about the potential penalties for non-compliance after 7th April 2025.

For comprehensive details on civil penalties related to breaches of customs law, please refer to HMRC’s Customs Notice 301.

To ensure compliance and avoid penalties, hauliers are advised to:

1. Include all transit MRNs in the GMR before the vehicle departs for the UK.
2. Verify that the GMR is accurately entered into the GVMS.
3. Stay informed about updates to customs procedures by regularly reviewing official HMRC guidance.

By adhering to these requirements, hauliers can minimize the risk of penalties and ensure seamless transit operations into the UK.