How to transport goods out of the UK by road: step-by-step

Check if you need a vehicle operator licence

Apply for a vehicle operator licence

You'll need other licences and permits, depending on the countries you're driving to or through.

Check which licences and permits you need

You may need to register your trailer to drive through or to the European Union if it weighs over 750kg.

Register your trailer to take it abroad

You’ll need to get specialist vehicle approvals to transport any of the following:

• dangerous goods
• perishable food
• goods in a sealed load compartment for quicker border crossings

Check your driver has the documents they need to drive abroad.

The driver must carry these documents with them.

Find out what you need to do if you're exporting your own goods.

There are rules for transporting certain goods. Your driver may need to follow set routes or stop at specific check points. Check the rules for:

• live animals or animal products
• dangerous goods
• abnormal loads

Find out what you need to apply for if you’re moving goods temporarily out of the UK.

If you're transporting goods outside the EU they must have been cleared by customs (given ‘permission to progress’). The exporter can tell you if this has happened.

Your driver will need copies of:

• any export licences
• the road consignment note (‘CMR note’)
• the Movement Reference Number (MRN) from the export declaration - if you're moving goods out of the EU
• the MRN and the Local Reference Number (LRN) - if you're moving goods under the Common Transit convention (CTC)
• the ATA Carnet document - if you're moving goods out of the EU temporarily
• the TiR Carnet document - if you’re moving goods in a sealed load compartment with a seal number

The exporter should be able to give all of these to you.

You'll also need to have a customs seal approval certificate for the vehicle if you’re moving goods in a sealed load compartment. You'll get this when your vehicle passes the TiR test.

You may need to use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) to move goods through some ports.

Check how to move goods through ports that use the GVMS.

Check what HGV and trailer documents your driver must carry.

Check what driving documents your driver must carry.

You may need to attend an inland border facility if you're leaving from the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel or Holyhead.

Check whether you need to attend an inland border facility.

Check the road rules for European countries on the AA website.

Check travel advice for countries outside Europe.

When you have your documents, insurance and any extra equipment you need, you can transport goods abroad.