Moving goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain

For direct movements from Northern Ireland to Great Britain, only some goods will require an export declaration. Refer to the Movement of Goods from NI to GB: Step-by-step guide on NICTA to see if this applies to your goods. If your goods do not require an export declaration, you may not need to complete any declarations pre- or post-movement.

All indirect movements from Northern Ireland to Great Britain (via Ireland) will require an export declaration. Your haulier must carry a copy of the declaration, either in paper or electronic format and must include the Movement Reference Number (MRN) of the declaration in the Irish Revenue’s Pre-Boarding Notification (PBN) system. Please note this option doesn’t apply to exits via other Europea Union (EU) member states.

Additional information on making an indirect export from Northern Ireland can be found on Making an indirect export from Northern Ireland on GOV.UK.

Refer to the process flows below for details on the steps for each journey type where an export declaration is required.

Process for goods moving direct from Northern Ireland to Great Britain via Roll on Roll off (RoRo) – when an Export Declaration is required

Step-by-step guidance

The following guides may be helpful for each of the steps of your goods movement

1. Raise a Goods Movement on TSS – refer to the Movement of goods from NI to GB guide – usually done by the exporter.
2. Raise an Export Declaration and provide a Declaration Unique Consignment Reference – done by TSS.
3. Obtain a Goods Movement Reference on the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) – refer to the How to create a Goods Movement Reference guide – usually done by the carrier/haulier.
4. Present the Goods Movement Reference (GMR) at the Northern Ireland port -refer to the Movement of goods from NI to GB guide – done by the carrier/haulier.
5. Move goods to the destination – done by the carrier/haulier.

Process for goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain via Ireland using Roll on Roll off (RoRo)

Step-by-step guidance

1. Raise a Goods Movement on TSS – refer to the Movement of goods from NI to GB guide– usually done by the exporter.
2. Perform document checks and provide the Movement Reference Number – done by TSS.
3. Check if you need to complete an Import Declaration on GOV.UK – done by the importer.
4. Complete pre-movement requirements, see GOV.UK  – usually done by the carrier/haulier. Further guidance is available in Making an indirect export from Northern Ireland on GOV.UK.
5. Move goods through Ireland and on to Great Britain – done by the carrier/haulier.

Additional Guidance

• Data guide: TSS declaration data requirements
• Checklist: Export declarations from NI to GB
• Guidance on controlled goods and the online tariff tool
• Live animal movements