Pre-Boarding Notification (PBN) – If you send goods from Ireland to GB using a RoRo ferry service (accompanied or unaccompanied), a PBN must be submitted to Irish Customs. This notification must be submitted in advance of the goods leaving Ireland. The haulier is responsible for ensuring that the PBN is submitted using information provided by the exporter. However, the PBN may be created by anyone in the supply chain that has the required information. Only one PBN should be created per vehicle irrespective of the number of consignments in the vehicle.
Goods Movement Reference (GMR) – A Goods Movement Reference (GMR) is a unique reference number that is required for all movements of goods between the UK and the EU. It is used to track goods as they move through the supply chain and to ensure that customs requirements are met.
When a business exports goods from the UK to the EU, or imports goods into the UK from the EU, it is required to submit a customs declaration. The GMR is generated as part of this process and is used to track the movement of goods through the supply chain. The GMR is also used to link the customs declaration to other documentation related to the movement of goods, such as bills of lading and commercial invoices.
The GMR is created by the carrier or its customs agent when submitting the customs declaration. The GMR must be provided to the ferry operator in order to verify the ferry booking.
FAQ
Who is responsible for creating a GMR (Goods Movement Reference)?
The carrier of the goods is normally responsible for the creation of the GMR (Goods Movement Reference) but it can be completed by anyone within the supply chain.
Who is responsible for creating a PBN (Pre-Boarding Notification)?
The carrier of the goods is normally responsible for the creation of the PBN (Pre-Boarding Notification) but it can be completed by anyone within the supply chain.
How do you check PBN (Pre-Boarding Notification) status?
To check the status of your PBN you must follow the below link and enter the full PBN number into the text box and click ‘Check Status’. The website will then return the result, whether it be a ‘Leave Port’ message or a ‘Call to Customs’ message.
https://www.ros.ie/customs-roro-control-web/ros/pbn/status
Please note that the instruction issued by the PBN system must be followed by the driver as failure to do so will result in a €500 fine issued by Irish Revenue.
How do you check GMR (Goods Movement Reference) status?
The GMR status will be relayed to you prior to disembarkment from the Ferry. Please check with the relevant ferry operator to find where onboard the ferry this information is displayed.