Moving goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain

There are two journeys for moving goods out of Northern Ireland (NI) and into Great Britain (GB):

  • Direct: NI to GB
  • Indirect: NI to GB, via Ireland

If you are new to TSS, we recommend the Getting Started section on NICTA, starting with the Beginner’s Guide.

If you are already a TSS user you could start with the Movement of goods from NI to GB: Step-by-step guide.

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The following links offer further guidance for the two Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) journeys:

For direct movements from NI to GB, 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 NI to GB (via Ireland) require an export declaration. Additional information on making an indirect export from Northern Ireland can be found on GOV.UK.

Refer to the respective process flows below for details on the steps for the two journeys, where an export declaration is required. These process flows reflect the changes to the Border Target Operating Model that were effective from 31 January 2024.

Process for goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain via Roll-on Roll-off that require an Export Declaration

Process for goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain via Roll-on Roll-off that require an Export Declaration

Step-by-step guidance

  1. Raise a Goods Movement on TSS – 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 GVMS – usually done by the carrier/haulier
  4. Action required at the NI port – 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 using Roll on Roll off

Process for goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain using Roll on Roll off

Step-by-step guidance

  1. Raise a Goods Movement on TSS – 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 – 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
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