Transport between the UK and Poland is subject to different regulations and rules depending on the type of transport. Below we present basic information on freight and passenger transport:
freight transport:
Documentation: In order to transport goods between the UK and Poland, you must have the required documents such as invoices, waybills, certificates and permits.
Duties and Taxes: International shipments are subject to customs and tax fees, which are collected by the customs authorities of both countries.
Carriers: There are many shipping companies that offer international transportation, such as shipping companies and road hauliers. You should choose a trusted and experienced carrier that has the appropriate insurance and license to transport goods.
Transport conditions: Shipments must be properly secured and transported in conditions ensuring their protection and safety.
Passenger transport:
Documents: To travel between the UK and Poland you need a valid passport or ID card.
Insurance: You must have adequate insurance, including travel insurance and car insurance if you are traveling in your own vehicle.
Carriers: There are many shipping companies that offer international transportation, such as airlines, bus companies, and shipping companies.
This information applies to carriers, brokers and drivers transporting goods from the European Union to the United Kingdom from January 1, 2022.
PREPARATION FOR EXPORTING GOODS FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION:
Please ensure that all export procedures for exporting goods from the European Union have been completed.
PREPARATION FOR IMPORTING GOODS TO THE UK:
In order to use the Goods Vehicle Traffic System (GVMS), you must:
obtain an EORI number starting with the letters ‘GB’ via the UK/eori website
create a UK Government Gateway account online and register with GVMS https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-for-the-goods-vehicle-movement-service using your EORI number
provide the driver with access to the GVMS driver self-serve tool
Before going to the border, the driver must:
have a valid passport to enter the UK
have a Goods Carrying Reference (GMR) barcode valid for this trip, either on paper or on your phone. It will be created by the GVMS system and will start with the letters “GMR”.
know how, when crossing the strait, he can check whether he has been selected for border control at the British Inland Border Inspection Post (IBF), i.e.:
online through your Government Gateway/GVMS account or
if traveling via Eurotunnel – by checking the information displayed on the screens
download the “Attend an IBF” digital service to your smartphone before traveling and use it if you need to book an appointment with the IBF.
PREPARATION FOR IMPORTING GOODS INTO THE UK (PRIOR TO ARRIVAL AT THE BORDER):
TRANSIT TRANSIT: Collect the Transit Accompanying Document. Create a GMR number in GVMS. or
NON-TRANSIT TRANSIT: Have the Entry Reference Number (ERN) provided by the declarant ready. Create a GMR number in GVMS.
Add to the GMR number information about the date of the planned border crossing and vehicle registration number.
Go to the EU border.
AFTER ARRIVING AT THE EU BORDER (CHECK-IN AT THE FERRY TERMINAL OR AT THE EUROTUNNEL PITSTOP):
ON THE BORDER
Before arriving at the EU border, make sure that all export procedures for exporting goods from the European Union have been completed
Give the carrier your GMR number (or send it in advance if you are using the Eurotunnel Border Pass).
You cannot cross the border if your GMR number is invalid or invalid
Border control authorities will carry out appropriate checks, including passport checks. You can only use your ID if you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
WHEN CROSSING THE STRAIT
Using the GVMS driver self-serve tool, the driver must check whether they need to report to the IBF before heading to their final destination.
ARRIVAL IN THE UK INLAND BORDER CONTROL:
From the port/terminal, go to the inland border checkpoint.
Road signs will help you with this, and in the application you can check if parking spaces are available.
The entry will be registered thanks to the cameras automatically recognizing the vehicle’s license plates. You will be greeted by traffic managers upon arrival.
At the entrance to the control point, the vehicle will be inspected.
The driver will be directed to the parking space.
Present the documents at the checkpoint.
From the inland border checkpoint, proceed to your destination
RULES OF CONDUCT AT THE IBF POINT:
- Use the QR code of the digital “Attend an IBF” service and the link on the last page of this leaflet gov.uk/guidance/tell-
hmrc-that-youre-going-to-be- attending-an-inland-border- facility#before-you-start - In case of any document issues, remember to provide the intermediary’s contact information
- The driver must go to an IBF point if:
- They have received information that the transported cargo has been selected for customs inspection
- They need to complete formalities in accordance with the ATA Carnet / TIR Carnet / CITES procedure
- They need to complete transit procedures for destination offices.
- Come to an IBF point if it is not necessary
- Consider the IBF point as a resting place
- Leave the IBF point before completing all the necessary documents, including obtaining licenses and permits.
- All independent drivers transporting goods and handling customs procedures independently
- Companies that collect any goods on behalf of another company
- Logistics companies handling the transport of any goods and customs processes on behalf of another company
- Large trading companies that transport and declare their own goods.
What is GVMS?
GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service) is a British IT system that was created to improve the flow of goods and is used in many British ports. The driver will have one barcode to present all declarations when checking in before boarding the ferry. This will save him time. The GVMS system also informs the driver whether he can deliver the goods to the destination or whether he has been qualified for customs control.
The GVMS system will be necessary for customs clearance in all ports using this system.
Who should register in the GVMS system?
Registration in the GVMS system applies to:
all independent drivers transporting goods and handling customs formalities on their own
companies that outsource the collection of any goods on behalf of another company,
logistics companies dealing with the transport of all goods and carrying out customs processes on behalf of another company,
large trading companies that transport and declare their own goods.
Goods Movement Reference Number (GMR)
Goods Movement Reference (GMR) is generated in the GVMS system and combines all customs declarations for a specific transport. Every driver transporting goods between the EU and Great Britain must have a GMR. Drivers must present it at the port of departure to prove that all necessary declarations have been made.
What does the GMR number look like?
This is the number and barcode. It is required for all vehicles, even if empty, and can only be used once. Without a valid GMR number, the vehicle will not be allowed to enter the port.
English 
Polish