However you transact with us today, the objective is to get the necessary documentation and information onto our system, which will then be passed on to the correct authorities for you.
If you currently use a P&O Ferries’ reference number, or waybill number, to travel on the Channel, you can add your Movement Reference Numbers (MRN) from your declarations into our Freight Portal.
If you currently use an authorized vehicle list to travel on the Channel, you will need to make sure that you arrive at the port in with the MRNs from your declarations available for check in.
A full step by step walkthrough of this process is below.
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. You only need to register once for each.
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 booking in the same way you always have, whether this is via: EDI, an online credit account, an authorised auto list, the new Pay ‘n Go web and app or whether you just turn up at the port. Depending on the type of goods you are carrying, you may need to submit additional information about your booking, consignment and goods.
Pre-lodge an export declaration with HMRC and an import declaration with French Customs, as well as the necessary safety and security declarations. If you are transporting an empty unit, then for the French import, this can be declared at check-in, there is no requirement for a formal declaration into French Customs systems to be made. For multiple consignments please create an envelope of declarations, or ‘enveloppe logistique’, here.
If you are despatching a lorry that contains animal or plant products, you should ensure that the driver has the necessary health certificate(s).
Before arrival at Dover
Exports from the UK to France must receive export clearance in the UK and must be pre-declared for importation into France with MRN (Movement Reference Number) barcodes, issued by French customs. Barcodes can be in physical paper form or digital form (via a smart device).
Where possible, the MRNs should be provided in advance through EDI or via the P&O Ferries Freight portal. This will be stored against the booking and validated against the paperwork upon arrival at Dover check in. Customers who use an authorized vehicle list to travel, or turn-up-and-go, must present their MRNs at check in.
If drivers have multiple MRNs these must be grouped together using the Envelope Logistique service. This means they will then have one master MRN which will speed up the check in process. This service can be found here.
Drivers must have all the relevant documentation before reaching the port or their 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. The image below from French customs shows which documents will need to be scanned in order to be able to enter France.
Drivers will also need to have at least six months left on their passports to be able to enter into France.
To help hauliers and HGV drivers understand if they are carrying the right documentation, the UK Government is developing a new web service called “Check an HGV is Ready to Cross the Border” (also known as the Kent Access Permit). All HGVs over 7.5 tonnes exporting freight from GB to the EU from 1 January 2021 will need a Kent Access Permit – additional information can be found here.
For rules on carrying pets, read below:
If a customer is carrying pets (up to 5) then the following health checks must be done on the animals in advance of travelling:
- For each animal travelling they must have been microchipped and have a valid passport that can be scanned
- The Pet must have been vaccinated against rabies - the pet must be at least 12 weeks old before it can be vaccinated
- The pet must have a blood sample taken at least 30 days after its primary rabies vaccination
- The must have waited 3 months from the date the successful blood sample was taken before travel
- If the blood test result is not successful, the pet will need a repeat vaccination and another blood test taken at least 30 days after the repeat vaccination
- The customer must also take their pet to the vet no more than 10 days before travel to get an AHC. (The AHC needs to be signed by an official vet.)
For rules on carrying horses, read below:
If a customer is carrying horses then the following steps must be taken prior to arrival at the port of Dover:
- A inspection date and time slot must be arranged with SIVEP in Calais and a reference obtained for the booking, at least 48 hours prior to travel
- A booking must be made with P&O Ferries so numbers of Horses travelling can be established by P&O Ferries
- The ferry booking must be made to arrive in plenty of time for travel to the SIVEP location and the timed inspection slot
- The SIVEP inspection reference must be given to P&O Ferries as soon as known so it can be noted against the booking and checked against documentation upon arrival at Dover
Day of Travel Process
The Port of Calais has created a user-friendly diagram to follow. You can download it here.
Please also download the very useful mobile app the Port of Calais have created to help guide you and keep you updated.
At check-in in Dover
Drivers will be asked a series of questions to establish the contents of the vehicle and supporting documentation.
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.
Drivers of all loaded trailers must present the correct declaration MRNs to our check-in staff on arrival (including for transit documentation where applicable).
Drivers should inform check-in staff if their vehicle contains live animals, animal products, fish or plant products.
On board our vessel
Drivers should check the TV screens in the Freight Drivers Lounges which will indicate whether each vehicle has been cleared by French authorities to exit the port immediately on arrival (green/VERT) or has been selected for examination (orange).
The on-board display will show ORANGE-DOUANE for customs checks and ORANGE-SIVEP for animal and plant health controls, see below:
Port of Calais has developed an app called "e-border Calais port", allowing drivers and hauliers to check the customs status of the goods transported, in the lorry or the trailer during the crossing. You can find it here.
Arrival in Calais
Drivers should follow the appropriate signs on disembarkation - take either the orange or green lane depending on their clearance status.
