Glossary

What is pre-lodgement?

Pre-lodgement is a UK border model in which the customs declaration must be submitted and accepted before the goods arrive at the port, rather than after. Ports without inventory-linked temporary storage operate this way.

How does the pre-lodgement model work?

The declaration is filed in advance and returns a Movement Reference Number. For accompanied freight the haulier adds those MRNs to a Goods Movement Reference in GVMS, and the carrier checks the GMR before the vehicle boards. A driver arriving without one is not travelling.

Pre-lodgement or inventory linking?

  • Pre-lodgement: no temporary storage at the port, so clearance is settled before arrival — typical of RoRo terminals built for speed.
  • Inventory linking: the port holds goods in temporary storage while the declaration is matched and cleared — typical of container terminals.

Why hauliers feel this most

Pre-lodgement arrived for GB imports on 1 January 2021 alongside GVMS. It moved the pressure point away from the border and onto the customs agent’s filing timeline: the paperwork now has to be right hours before the driver reaches the port, not while the trailer waits.

iCustoms files pre-lodged declarations early and returns MRNs ready to drop into your GMR.

iCustoms Watch a Demo

Looking to optimise your customs duties and tax?

Learn more