iPBN

A Pre-Boarding Notification (PBN) is a mandatory digital customs document required for goods transported via Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) ferries. It acts as an electronic envelope that groups all individual customs declaration numbers (MRNs) for cargo loaded onto a single transport vehicle. It enables customs authorities to perform risk assessments before the ferry docks and facilitates fast-track border clearances on routes involving Ireland.

When a PBN is successfully submitted, customs authorities generate a unique PBN reference ID. Hauliers or freight forwarders present this ID at the ferry check-in to confirm that all cargo on the vehicle is fully declared and compliant prior to boarding. iPBN automatically generates and stores this reference, so your team always has it to hand.

A valid PBN contains two core elements. First, Master Reference Numbers (MRNs), these are the declaration numbers from all required customs filings for the vehicle’s cargo, including import, export, and safety/security declarations. Second, Routing Data, this links the trip details such as the vehicle registration number, ferry departure time, and route. iPBN automatically compiles and validates both elements before submission.

A PBN can be created by logistics companies, hauliers, freight forwarders, importers, or exporters, essentially anyone responsible for the cargo on the vehicle. iPBN is designed specifically for hauliers, logistics providers, and customs agents handling Ro-Ro trade, and requires no technical skills to operate.

iPBN follows a four-step automated process. It first gathers all MRNs for goods on the vehicle from your existing systems. It then uses AI to validate and bundle them into a correctly formatted PBN. The PBN is submitted directly to customs authorities, and iPBN tracks the status in real time until the vehicle receives a “Good to Proceed to Check-In” confirmation, with no manual intervention required.

Once submitted, iPBN tracks your PBN status in real time from within the platform, giving you instant visibility at every stage. Drivers and agents can also check the customs status directly via the Irish Revenue’s Customs RoRo Service to see whether goods have been green-routed for immediate exit or red-routed for physical inspection upon landing.

A GMR (Goods Movement Reference) is the UK equivalent used for goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland via the GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service). A PBN (Pre-Boarding Notification) is the Irish Revenue requirement for Ro-Ro routes involving Ireland. Both serve a similar purpose, grouping MRNs for a vehicle’s cargo, but apply to different routes and authorities. iCustoms supports both through its product suite.

Yes, a PBN can be created, updated, and edited with additional MRNs right up until the driver checks in at the ferry terminal. Once the driver checks in with the ferry operator, the PBN is locked and can no longer be amended. iPBN makes it simple to add or correct MRNs before that point, reducing the risk of a locked PBN containing errors.

Without a valid PBN, the driver will be denied access to the port or boarding on routes involving Ireland. An incomplete or inaccurate PBN, such as one with missing MRNs, can also result in the vehicle being held for inspection upon arrival, causing significant delays. iPBN’s AI validation checks all data before submission to prevent these issues entirely.

One of the key advantages of the PBN system is that it allows customs authorities to begin risk assessment while the vehicle is still in transit at sea. Based on the declared cargo, trucks are pre-assigned to a customs channel before the ferry docks, green-routed for immediate exit, or red-routed for inspection. iPBN ensures your PBN is submitted early and accurately, maximising the chance of green routing and keeping your vehicles moving without disruption.