Published:
21 March 2021
Updated:
15 January 2026
Contents
Actions you need to take
- Ensure you and your customer are registered with the Trader Support Service (TSS). One-time step
- Register for the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) if you are carrying the goods yourself, to get a Goods Movement Reference (GMR) number. If subcontracting a haulier, ensure they register for GVMS. One-time step
- Ensure the trader provides you with the data required to complete an Entry Summary Declaration. Note: If the Importer is authorised for the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS), ensure the EORI number aligned with this is used as the Importer EORI.
- Submit this data through the TSS Portal at least two hours before the goods are due to arrive in Northern Ireland (NI).
- TSS completes import declaration requirements.
- Populate the GMR in GVMS (pass on to haulier if subcontracting). You will receive information from TSS on how to do this. See the Creating a Goods Movement Reference (GMR) on the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) checklist for more information.
- Once the GMR is completed, you (or your haulier) can board the ferry and move the goods.
TSS Portal fields: Movement Header
You will need to provide the following information about the movement of the goods:
- Type of Movement
- Identity Number of Transport
- Conveyance Reference Number
- Nationality of Means of Transport
- Carrier XI/EU EORI and details.
- Arrival Date/Time
- Port of Arrival
- Seal Number
- Route
- Place(s) of Loading
- Place(s) of Unloading
- Transport Charges
TSS Portal fields: Consignment Information
You will need to provide the following information about the consignment:
- Does Consignment contain goods subject to control, licence or certification?
- Consignor and consignee EORI and details
- Importer EORI and details
- Exporter EORI and details
- Buyer EORI and details (if different to Importer)
- Seller EORI and details (if different to Exporter)
- Transport Document Number
- Container indicator (registered shipping container)
- Goods Domestic status
- Destination Country
TSS Portal fields: Goods Record
You will need to provide the following information about the goods:
- Equipment number, if containerised
- UN dangerous goods code
- Type of packages
- Number of pieces or packages
- Package Marks
- Gross Mass (KG)
- Goods Description
- Commodity Code
- Invoice Number
- Procedure Code & Additional Procedure Code
TSS Portal Fields: Additional Information
In some cases, you may need to provide the following information dependent on Type of Movement:
- Place(s) of acceptance (if different from place(s) of loading)
- Place(s) of delivery (if different from place(s) of unloading)
Note: Some types of goods may require specific data. Refer to the relevant checklist for more information.
- Entry Summary Declarations: Checklist for traders of controlled goods
- Entry Summary Declarations: Checklist for traders of excise goods
- Entry Summary Declarations: Checklist for traders of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) goods
Declarations are required for all goods moved from Great Britain (GB) to NI.
It is the legal responsibility of the carrier to ensure safety and security information is declared via the Entry Summary Declaration, but other parties (trader, haulier or intermediary) may agree to complete it.
How does TSS support Entry Summary Declarations?
- TSS provides a portal for registered traders, carriers and hauliers to provide safety and security information that TSS uses to generate and submit Entry Summary Declarations.
- TSS uses safety and security information from the Entry Summary Declaration and further data provided by the trader to complete import declaration requirements.
For further help, depending on your journey, please refer to the Data guide: TSS declaration data requirements or consult the TSS Contact Centre for support on 0800 060 8888.

