Delays at UK ports have been fueled by an ongoing system failure with HMRC’s Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS).
As a result of the prolonged GVMS outage, HMRC established interim procedures that allow trucks or trailers to pass through customs without a Goods Movement Reference (GMR).
HMRC has stated plans to investigate the cause of the outage and has recently extended the measures until Monday, April 11, 2022, at midday.
According to BIFA, the British International Freight Association, members should “make sure they have evidence that they have completed customs formalities before departing on exports or after arriving for imports”.
Freight traffic delays and queues have been reported in the Dover area, with the GMVS outage worsening the problem. The delays are being blamed on extreme weather and ferry shortages; the latter caused by P&O Ferries suspending services after controversially laying off hundreds of employees.
The government is set to make an announcement on Monday, April 11, 2022, here.
