Dover Customs Clearance
GEIM provides 24-hour import, export and transit customs clearance for accompanied and unaccompanied freight moving through Dover.
We coordinate customs formalities on both the UK and European sides of the movement, covering Dover–Calais, Dover–Dunkirk and Channel Tunnel movements between Folkestone and Calais.
GEIM can also prepare the required GMR, ELO and ENS at no additional charge when we complete the relevant customs declaration. Our team monitors the movement throughout the crossing and can assist with inspections, ferry bookings and onward haulage in the UK and Europe.
24-hour UK and European customs support Customs declarations can normally be prepared within 30 minutes to one hour once complete and accurate information has been received.
UK and European customs clearance through Dover
A cross-Channel freight movement can involve customs requirements on both sides of the journey.
GEIM coordinates the UK and European customs formalities through one team, removing the need for the customer, haulier or driver to manage several separate agents.
What our Dover service covers
- Imports entering the UK through Dover
- Exports leaving the UK through Dover
- Accompanied lorries
- Unaccompanied trailers
- Transit movements
- Freight using Dover Cargo Terminal
GEIM continues monitoring the movement after the declaration has been prepared. We check the relevant statuses, communicate with the driver or haulier and assist with any instructions until the whole crossing process has been completed. GEIM works alongside the relevant ferry operators.
Our Dover customs services
24-hour UK and European customs clearance for accompanied and unaccompanied freight moving through Dover.
UK import customs clearance
GEIM prepares import customs declarations for goods entering the UK through Dover or the Channel Tunnel. We review the importer information, commercial documents, vehicle or trailer details, intended route and relevant certifications before completing the declaration.
UK export customs clearance
GEIM prepares export customs declarations for accompanied and unaccompanied freight leaving the UK through Dover. Where the movement requires additional European-side formalities, we can coordinate those as part of the same service.
European-side customs clearance
GEIM handles European-side customs formalities for applicable Dover–Calais, Dover–Dunkirk and Folkestone–Calais movements. Using the same team for both sides reduces the risk of information being entered differently on the UK and European declarations.
Transit and carnet services
GEIM provides T1 declarations and assists with the opening, monitoring, closing and discharge of transit movements, along with Office of Departure and Office of Destination formalities, ATA Carnets, TIR Carnets and CITES permits.
Controlled and regulated goods
GEIM handles a broad range of controlled and regulated goods where the required licences, certificates and notifications are in place, including SIVEP inspection coordination, French CHED creation, phytosanitary documentation and UK IPAFFS notifications.
Ferry bookings and haulage
GEIM can assist with the ferry booking and arrange onward haulage in the UK and Europe, so the declarations, border references, crossing, driver support, inspection coordination and delivery all run through one team.
GMR, ELO and ENS included with your declaration
Where they are required, GEIM can prepare the GMR, ELO and ENS at no additional charge when we complete the relevant customs declaration. These are separate border requirements and one does not automatically replace the others.
Goods Movement Reference
The GMR connects the required declaration references to the vehicle movement through the UK Goods Vehicle Movement Service.
When GEIM creates the GMR, we check the customs declaration references, vehicle registration, trailer registration where applicable, route information and movement details. We then monitor the GMR status and advise the driver or haulier if an inspection or other action is required.
At GVMS locations, carriers check the GMR against the vehicle, trailer or container information. A vehicle can be turned away where the GMR is invalid or the registration details do not match.
GMR preparation included at no additional charge with the relevant GEIM declaration.
Obligatory Logistics Envelope
For applicable UK–France Smart Border movements, GEIM can prepare the ELO and connect the relevant French or European customs information to the transport unit.
The ELO is separate from the UK GMR. French Customs made the ELO mandatory from 20 April 2026 for relevant accompanied and unaccompanied RoRo transport units crossing the UK–France Smart Border.
ELO preparation included at no additional charge with the relevant GEIM declaration.
Entry Summary Declaration
Where an Entry Summary Declaration is required, GEIM can prepare the ENS alongside the customs declaration.
The ENS is a safety and security declaration containing information that allows the goods to be risk-assessed before arrival. It must be submitted before the relevant movement arrives.
ENS preparation included at no additional charge with the relevant GEIM declaration.
How Dover customs clearance works
Six stages, from the movement details reaching our team to the completed crossing and onward delivery.
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1
Send the documents and transport information
For UK-only clearance, send the complete information at least one hour before it is needed. Where GEIM is handling the full UK and European set of formalities, allow at least two hours.
Sending the details early gives GEIM time to identify missing documents, incorrect truck plates, incorrect trailer numbers, route inconsistencies, missing certifications, transit issues and controlled-goods requirements.
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2
GEIM prepares the customs declarations
GEIM prepares the relevant UK import or export declaration, European import or export declaration, transit declaration and supporting controlled-goods documentation.
The exact set depends on the goods, route and customs procedure.
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3
GEIM prepares the supporting border references
Where required, GEIM prepares the GMR, ELO and ENS.
These are included at no additional charge when GEIM completes the relevant customs declaration.
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4
GEIM checks the movement details
Before the vehicle reaches the border, GEIM checks the vehicle registration, trailer registration, customs references, intended route, ferry or tunnel movement, applicable certifications and the driver or haulier contact details.
This helps reduce the risk of a driver arriving with a GMR or other reference that does not match the vehicle.
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5
GEIM monitors the crossing
GEIM monitors the relevant movement statuses throughout the crossing. Where an inspection or other action is required, we notify the driver and haulier, explain the instruction, provide directions and communicate with Border Force where appropriate.
HMRC guidance confirms that a GMR is updated during the crossing to show holds or inspection requirements, and drivers or hauliers must follow those instructions.
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6
GEIM supports completion and onward delivery
GEIM continues monitoring until the whole crossing process has been completed.
Where required, we can also assist with ferry bookings, UK and European haulage, delivery coordination, transit closure, Office of Destination requirements and inspection follow-up.
Documents required for Dover imports
GEIM will normally require:
- Importer authorisation
- Commercial invoice or packing list
- Ferry or tunnel booking information
- Intended route
- Planned crossing or sailing information
- Vehicle registration
- Trailer registration, where applicable
- Haulier or driver details
- Transit document, where applicable
- Relevant licences or certificates
- Controlled-goods documents, where applicable
A CMR is not normally required by GEIM for the Dover import declaration.
Additional information may be requested depending on the type of goods, customs value, commodity classification, country of origin, customs procedure and controlled-goods requirements.
Documents required for Dover exports
GEIM will normally require:
- Commercial invoice or packing list
- Transport details
- Transport cost
- Truck registration or plates
- Trailer registration, where applicable
- Intended route
- Ferry or tunnel movement information
- Relevant licences or certificates
- Transit information, where applicable
Tell us straight away Notify GEIM immediately if the vehicle, trailer, route or crossing changes after the documents have been prepared. A change to any of these details may require a declaration, GMR, ELO or other border reference to be amended.
Dover customs clearance within two hours
GEIM can normally prepare a Dover customs declaration within 30 minutes to one hour once all complete and accurate documents have been received.
Customers should normally allow at least one hour for a UK-only import or export declaration, and at least two hours for the complete UK and European set of formalities. The final movement can take longer where:
- Documents are incomplete
- Information is supplied late
- Vehicle or trailer details are incorrect
- A GMR is invalid
- An ELO is missing or incorrect
- An ENS has not been completed
- Duty or import VAT remains unpaid
- The route or ferry booking changes
- A transit movement has not been opened correctly
- The goods are selected for inspection
- The driver does not follow the movement instructions
Dover customs clearance is normally completed within two hours, subject to complete and accurate documents, customs acceptance, inspections, carrier requirements and driver compliance.
Transit and specialist customs movements
GEIM provides support for transit and specialist customs procedures through Dover and Folkestone.
T1 transit declarations
GEIM can prepare T1 declarations for goods moving under customs control, and assist with opening the movement, monitoring it, Office of Departure and Office of Destination formalities, closing or discharging the movement and resolving issues where a transit movement has not been processed correctly.
ATA Carnets
GEIM can assist with ATA Carnet movements where goods are being temporarily imported or exported.
TIR Carnets
GEIM can assist with TIR Carnet movements and the relevant border formalities.
CITES permits
Where goods are subject to CITES controls, GEIM can assist with the required customs and permit process.
GVMS supports Common Transit Convention movements at RoRo locations, but the correct transit reference must be used in the GMR. Entering the wrong declaration reference can cause border delays.
Controlled goods and inspection support
GEIM handles controlled and regulated freight through Dover, subject to the necessary documents and approvals. That includes general commercial goods, food products, products of animal origin, plants and plant products, refrigerated goods, alcohol and excise goods, dangerous goods, vehicles, machinery, temporary imports and abnormal or oversized loads.
GEIM handles a broad range of lawful commercial, controlled and regulated goods, subject to the necessary documents, approvals, route approvals and carrier requirements.
SIVEP inspections in France
For applicable food, animal, plant and agricultural goods, GEIM can assist with SIVEP inspection arrangements on the French side: reviewing the available documentation, assisting with the appropriate CHED, supporting phytosanitary-document requirements, communicating instructions to the driver and monitoring the movement and inspection process.
UK IPAFFS notifications
Where applicable, GEIM can assist with the required IPAFFS notification for regulated goods entering the UK.
Inspection support
Where a vehicle is selected for an inspection, GEIM notifies the driver or haulier, explains what action is required, provides directions to the designated facility, communicates with Border Force where appropriate and continues supporting the driver until the requirement has been completed.
GEIM coordinates and assists with the inspection process but does not conduct the official inspection. The relevant government or border authority performs the check, and the driver must attend the designated inspection or customs facility shown in the movement instructions.
About Dover freight movements
Dover handles accompanied and unaccompanied RoRo freight through the Eastern Docks ferry terminal. The port provides dedicated facilities for unaccompanied trailers.
GEIM also provides clearance for freight using the separate Dover Cargo Terminal, which handles containers, general cargo, breakbulk cargo, refrigerated cargo, perishable products and project or heavy-lift cargo. The cargo terminal also has storage, refrigerated-container facilities and inspection facilities for relevant freight.
The RoRo ferry process and the Dover Cargo Terminal process are not identical. GMR and ELO requirements apply to the relevant RoRo or Smart Border movement; Cargo Terminal requirements depend on the vessel, cargo and customs procedure. Tell us which terminal your freight is using and we will confirm what is needed.
Common Dover customs-clearance delays
Most Dover delays are avoidable, and almost all of them come down to information reaching us late or a border reference that does not match the vehicle.
Border reference and vehicle delays
Documents supplied too late
Drivers may already be travelling toward Dover before the customs declarations and border references have been prepared.
For UK-only formalities, provide the documents at least one hour in advance. For complete UK and European formalities, allow at least two hours.
An incorrect GMR created separately
One of the most common avoidable problems occurs when a driver or haulier creates the GMR separately and enters incorrect or incomplete information: the wrong vehicle registration, the wrong trailer registration, missing declaration references, an incorrect movement type or route, or a GMR that is not in the required status.
Allowing GEIM to prepare the declaration and GMR together reduces the risk of inconsistent information.
Vehicle or trailer registration does not match
At check-in, the GMR is compared against the vehicle, trailer or container information. The vehicle can be delayed or turned away if the registration details do not match the GMR.
Missing declaration reference
Where a movement contains several consignments, all relevant declarations must be correctly accounted for. A missing declaration reference can prevent the movement from progressing.
ELO missing or incorrect
An applicable UK–France RoRo movement may be delayed or refused boarding if the required ELO has not been created correctly.
GEIM can prepare the ELO with the relevant declaration and check the supplied movement information.
ENS missing
Where an ENS is required, failure to submit it correctly and on time can delay the safety and security process.
Payment, route and compliance delays
Duty or import VAT remains unpaid
The declaration may have been prepared, but release can remain blocked where the relevant customs duty or import VAT has not been paid or secured.
Route, booking or vehicle changes
A last-minute change to the route, ferry or tunnel booking, truck, trailer, driver or crossing time may affect documents or border references that have already been prepared.
Customers and hauliers should tell GEIM about changes immediately.
Transit movement not opened or closed correctly
A transit movement can be delayed where the wrong transit reference has been used, the movement has not been opened, Office of Departure or Office of Destination formalities remain incomplete, or the movement has not been discharged correctly.
An inspection instruction is not followed
A driver may be instructed to report to a designated inspection or inland customs facility. Failure to follow the instruction can delay the movement and may create customs-compliance issues.
Controlled-goods documents are missing
Missing CHED, phytosanitary, IPAFFS, SIVEP or other certification information can prevent controlled goods from progressing.
24-hour multilingual customs support
Cross-Channel freight operates outside normal office hours, and customs or inspection problems can arise at any stage of the journey. GEIM provides 24-hour support for Dover and Channel Tunnel movements.
Our multilingual team includes Polish-speaking staff who can communicate directly with Polish drivers and hauliers. That can be particularly valuable where:
- A driver does not understand the inspection instruction
- A route or booking changes
- The GMR status changes
- A vehicle is already waiting near the port
- Additional documents are requested
- Border Force needs information
- A transit movement needs urgent assistance
One multilingual team monitoring your movement from declaration to completed crossing.
Dover customs clearance FAQs
Yes. GEIM handles UK import and export customs clearance for accompanied and unaccompanied freight moving through Dover. We can also coordinate the European-side customs formalities for Dover–Calais, Dover–Dunkirk and Folkestone–Calais Channel Tunnel movements.
Yes. GEIM can coordinate the UK and European customs requirements through one team. This reduces the need to use separate agents and helps keep the commercial, vehicle, trailer and route information consistent across the movement.
Yes. GEIM handles accompanied lorries and unaccompanied trailers using the Dover ferry terminal. We also provide clearance for relevant freight using Dover Cargo Terminal.
Yes. Where they are required, GEIM can prepare the GMR, ELO and ENS at no additional charge when we complete the relevant customs declaration. The exact requirements depend on the route, direction of travel and type of movement.
Once complete and accurate information has been received, GEIM can normally prepare a Dover customs declaration within 30 minutes to one hour. Customers should allow at least one hour for UK-only clearance and at least two hours where both UK and European formalities are required.
GEIM will normally require importer authorisation, a commercial invoice or packing list, ferry or tunnel information, route details, vehicle and trailer registrations and any applicable transit, licence or certification documents. A CMR is not normally required by GEIM for the Dover import declaration.
Yes. GEIM can prepare T1 transit declarations and assist with Office of Departure, Office of Destination, transit opening, monitoring, closure and discharge requirements. We also assist with ATA Carnets, TIR Carnets and CITES permits.
Yes. GEIM handles a broad range of controlled and regulated goods where the necessary documents and approvals are available. Our support can include French SIVEP inspection coordination, CHED creation, phytosanitary documentation and UK IPAFFS notifications.
GEIM notifies the driver or haulier, explains the instruction, provides directions to the designated inspection facility and communicates with Border Force where appropriate. We continue monitoring the movement until the inspection requirement has been completed.
Yes. GEIM can assist with ferry bookings and arrange haulage in the UK and Europe. This allows customers to coordinate the customs declarations, border references, crossing and onward delivery through one team.
Need customs clearance through Dover?
Send GEIM your commercial documents, vehicle or trailer details, route information and relevant certifications. Our 24-hour multilingual team can coordinate the whole movement.
Where complete and accurate information is supplied, GEIM can normally prepare the required customs declaration within 30 minutes to one hour.
- UK customs clearance
- European-side customs clearance
- GMR
- ELO
- ENS
- Transit formalities
- Inspection support
- Ferry-booking assistance
- UK and European haulage