BREXIT – Frequently asked questions
General questions
Q: Where can I find all the relevant guidance from UK and French governments?
UK government:
FR government:
Q: What Border information will my drivers be required to present when crossing with Eurotunnel from 1st January 2021?
A: The following information will be required to cross the border:
- Customs references (e.g. Transit MRN barcodes, Goods Movement Reference – GMR…)
- Mandatory sanitary certificates (if not prelodged digitally by the Trader/Custom Broker)
- Safety and security references (e.g ENS/ICS, ECS…)
Click on the link to view Drivers’ requirements to cross with Eurotunnel:
Q. What is the Eurotunnel Border Pass?
A: For speed and convenience, your border data can be sent to Eurotunnel in advance through your online booking account, before your driver turns up at the terminal. Once all information is entered, you will then get your Eurotunnel Border Pass which is a unique reference. It can be done up to 30 min before the arrival of your vehicle.
The vehicle will instantly be recognised by the registration number so the driver will not need to present any documents at Pit Stop.
Q. Can my vehicle arrive at the terminal without sending information in advance?
A: Yes – Your driver will simply need his border references with barcodes which will be scanned at the relevant Pit Stop upon presentation and associated to the vehicle registration number.
Q: Do I need to have 2 EORI numbers, one for the UK and one for the EU?
A: Yes, both EORI numbers are required. However, it may be necessary to check if these have already been obtained by your customers.
Q. What is the role of Eurotunnel Border Service “EBS” in Coquelles?
A: Eurotunnel Border service is the official representative of Customs brokers (Représentant en Douane Enregistré) who are in contract with Eurotunnel only.
The teams will be available 24/7 to assist drivers with contacting your company or your custom broker in order to complete their EU Export or UK import declarations.
The team will be equipped with PCs, scanners, printers, telephones and mobile translation devices and can therefore print any document needed for travel.
The team will also be official representative of Customs brokers in contract with Eurotunnel during the Customs and SIVEP inspections.
Click here to view the slides detailing the role of our dedicated Eurotunnel Border Service team on the French terminal.
Q: Do Eurotunnel require proof that customs declarations have been made?
A: Eurotunnel’s mission is to collect and transfer this data to both authorities but not to check or control the validity of the documents.
Q: How will it work for empty vehicles?
A: The empty vehicle definition is either a vehicle 100% empty or a vehicle with no load but having reusable packaging (e.g. crates, plastic trays, …). The process is defined by the customs authorities.
For the the French authorities, Eurotunnel has to be notified either at Pit stop or on the Border Pass if the vehicle is empty. However, please note that a customs declaration has to be made for reusable packaging and can be used several times.
For further details, click on the French customs guide :
Preparing for Brexit customs guidelines (English version) p45-46.
Guide douanier de preparation au Brexit (French version -p47-48)
For the UK authorities, you have to declare if the vehicle is empty in GVMS to get your GMR (mandatory from 1st January 2022) and then notify your GMR to Eurotunnel either at Pit stop or in the Border Pass.
Q: Do I have to confirm to the authorities that the goods have arrived in the country?
A: No. The authorities will be informed directly by Eurotunnel when the vehicle has crossed.
Q: What is an envelope code?
A: If you have multiple declarations with different barcodes, French customs have developed a solution whereby you can generate one single barcode (envelope code) thus grouping the declarations and saving time in scanning documents.
Q: Do I need to declare in the Delta French system (French Customs system)?
A: Only if your company is registered in France. Otherwise, both the Transit (CTC) and/or Export declaration can be made in the local country customs’ system.