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EIDR (Entry in Declarant's Records) 

Faster Imports Without MRN

Using EIDR through EORI (UK)

The fast way to clear the border

We hold full HMRC EIDR authorisation. When you import non-controlled goods, you can use our approved EORI number on your GMR instead of a full import entry MRN. Send us the load information, we validate it, issue authorisation, and your carrier can proceed. It takes minutes, not hours. 

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EIDR

EIDR Customs UK: Entry in Declarant’s Records Explained and Faster Border Clearance

EIDR (Entry in Declarant’s Records) is a HMRC-authorised simplified customs process that lets you release goods at the UK border without submitting a full import declaration at the frontier. Instead, the declaration is recorded in your customs agent’s records, and a supplementary declaration is submitted later, keeping your supply chain moving and your carriers happy.

Ready to use our EIDR-approved EORI number?

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EIDR and the GMR Process

When creating a Goods Movement Reference (GMR) for goods entering the UK, your carrier needs one of the following per consignment:

  • Import entry MRN (Movement Reference Number)
  • Transit document MRN
  • EIDR-approved EORI number
  • ATA Carnet or TIR number (with physical certificate)

For non-controlled goods, our EIDR-approved EORI number can be used in place of an import entry MRN. Once you have specific confirmation from us, you simply provide our approved EORI number and there is no need to wait for a full import entry to be raised.

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“We MUST have an import entry number!”

We hear this regularly , and it is not correct. The GMR creation screen lists ‘import entry number’ as the first option, but there are others. For non-controlled goods, the third option on that screen, the EIDR-approved EORI number , is completely acceptable to HMRC and significantly faster at the frontier.

If your carrier insists otherwise, point them to this page. 

How it works: Four Simple Steps

Send us your load information.

Share the shipment details with our team before the goods arrive at the frontier.

We validate the consignment

Our customs specialists check the load against EIDR eligibility criteria , this takes minutes, not hours.

We issue authorisation

Once approved, we confirm you can use our EIDR-approved EORI number on the GMR. No import entry MRN required.

Goods are released at the border

Your carrier uses our EORI number on the GMR and the goods move freely. We handle the supplementary declaration at month end.

When Can EIDR Be Used?

EIDR facilitates quick, predictable clearance for standard imports, particularly in high-volume supply chains. It is especially well-suited to:

Eligible for EIDR ✔

  • Non-controlled goods
  • Groupage shipments
  • B2B manufacturing inputs
  • Standard food & drink imports (non-regulated) 

Not eligible for EIDR ✘

  • Controlled or excise goods
  • Phytosanitary-controlled items
  • Goods requiring specific import licences

These require a full frontier declaration or a Simplified Frontier Declaration (SFD). 

Key Benefits of EIDR

Speed

Goods released immediately at the border with no frontier data entry. Ideal for just-in-time logistics and regular import lanes.

Reliability

Clearance relies on trader records, not port systems. Reduces delays caused by congestion or system outages at the frontier.

Cost Efficiency

Multiple consignments are aggregated into a single monthly supplementary declaration, cutting administration time and lowering per-entry costs.

EIDR vs the Deferred Entry Scheme

Some traders confuse EIDR with the Deferred Entry Scheme introduced temporarily after Brexit, which allowed importers to delay full declarations by up to 175 days. They are not the same thing.

 

EIDR

Deferred Entry Scheme

Status

Permanent

Temporary (now closed)

Authorisation

Required - held by customs agent

Not required during scheme

Declaration timing

Monthly supplementary declaration

Up to 175-day deferral

Record keeping

Mandatory

Mandatory

Available now?

Yes

No

Frequently asked questions...

Q. What does EIDR stand for in UK customs?

EIDR stands for Entry in Declarant’s Records. It is a simplified customs declaration process under the UK’s Simplified Customs Declaration Processes (SCDP), allowing goods to be released at the border while the full customs data is submitted later via a supplementary declaration.

Q. Do I need my own HMRC EIDR authorisation?

No. Importers do not need their own HMRC authorisation to benefit from EIDR. You can operate under your customs agent’s EIDR authorisation, provided they have granted approval. EORI (UK) holds full EIDR authorisation and can act as your agent.


Q. Can I use EIDR on a GMR instead of an import entry number?

Yes, for non-controlled goods. When creating a Goods Movement Reference (GMR), you can use an EIDR-approved EORI number as an alternative to an import entry MRN. If your carrier tells you an import entry number is mandatory, they may not be fully familiar with the GMR process, it is not the only option.

 

Q. What goods are eligible for EIDR?

EIDR is suitable for non-controlled goods, groupage shipments, and B2B manufacturing inputs. It cannot be used for controlled or excise goods, phytosanitary-controlled items, or goods requiring specific import licences. Those goods require a full frontier declaration or a Simplified Frontier Declaration (SFD).

 

Q. What is a supplementary declaration and when is it due?

A supplementary declaration is the full customs data submission that follows an EIDR import. Rather than being submitted at the frontier, it is filed after the goods have been released -typically on a consolidated monthly basis. It accounts for all import VAT and duty payable.

 

Q. What is the difference between EIDR and a standard import declaration?

A standard (full) import declaration must be submitted at the frontier before or at the moment goods arrive. EIDR removes this requirement: goods are released immediately based on the customs agent’s records, and the full declaration data is submitted later. This dramatically speeds up the border crossing and reduces port-side delays.

Q. Is EIDR HMRC-compliant?

Yes. EIDR is a fully HMRC-recognised simplified customs procedure. EORI (UK) holds HMRC authorisation and operates the process in full compliance with UK customs legislation. 

Q. What authorisation points are needed for EIDR?

Learn More in our customs knowledge base article Click Here

 

 

Start Using EIDR Today

Whether you import regularly or are looking to simplify a specific trade lane, our EIDR service can help you move goods faster and with less paperwork. Get in touch to find out if your imports are eligible.

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