Whether you book through EDI, our website or our Freight Booking Office (FBO), the objective is to get the necessary documentation and information onto our system, which will then be passed onto the correct authorities for you.
Once you have made your booking please add your declarations and Pre Boarding Notifications (PBN) to our Freight Portal.
Initial Steps
- Register for an EORI number
- Responsibility for the import and export declarations
- Make your booking with P&O Ferries
- Pre-lodge declarations
- Animal or Plant Products
If you are moving goods into or out of the UK, you will need a UK EORI number – if you do not already have one, you can apply here. If your business is also responsible for completing the import declaration when the goods are imported into the EU, you will also need an EU EORI number which you can obtain from the customs authority in the EU country where you submit your first customs declaration.
Determine whether you will submit import and/or export declarations to each customs authority yourself or whether you will use a forwarder or customs agent for this. You must decide with your supply-chain partners as to who is responsible for the relevant declaration documentation.
Make your initial booking in the same way you always have. Depending on the type of goods you may need to submit additional information about your booking, consignment and goods.
Pre-lodge an export declaration with Irish Revenue Services and an import declaration for Transit movements only with HMRC, as well as the necessary safety and security declarations. If you are transporting an empty unit, then for the Irish export, this can be declared at check-in, there is no requirement for a formal declaration into Irish Customs systems to be made, but a PBN must be obtained. For multiple consignments in a single load, IRS require you to create an envelope of declarations (‘PBN’).
If your vehicle contains high-risk animal or plant products, you should ensure that the driver has the necessary health certificate(s). From 1 April 2021, any animal or plant products must have the necessary health certificate(s).
Before arrival at Dublin
Exports from Ireland to the UK receive export clearance in Ireland with a PBN (Pre Boarding Notification) reference, issued by Irish Revenue Services and must be pre-declared for importation into the UK with a GMR (Goods Movement Reference).
Goods moving under the transit procedure must be accompanied by a Transit Accompanying Document (TAD), which can be printed out at the customs office of departure or any printer that can accommodate barcodes. The Transit declaration should be digitally placed within the GMR on the Goods and Vehicle Movement System.
To add or change Multiple Load Lines (MLL) to a booking this can be done using the latest version (v37) of EDI or through the P&O Ferries Freight Portal. Please note that the weight in the initial booking must be the same as the cumulative weight of multiple load lines and all hazardous goods must still be booked through the relevant Freight Booking Office (FBO).
Drivers must have all the relevant documentation specified above before reaching the port or goods will not be able to enter the terminal. P&O Ferries will not be able to process emails containing customs information at check-in.
At check-in in Dublin
Drivers of empty trailers should complete our standard check-in process including border exit checks and move to the loading lanes in preparation to board the vessel (accompanied) or take the trailer where instructed within the yard (unaccompanied).
Drivers of all trailers must present the correct declaration documents; PBN(s) for Irish export and GMR if appropriate for UK import to our check-in staff on arrival.
Drivers should inform check-in staff if their vehicle contains live animals, animal products, fish or plant products.
Arrival in Liverpool
Drivers should follow the appropriate signs on disembarkation. All relevant checks on goods will be performed inland.
