When it comes to importing goods into the UK, one of the most important distinctions in customs clearance is whether your entry is inventory linked or non-inventory linked. These two terms define how your declaration interacts with the port’s or terminal’s inventory systems — and they affect how your goods are processed at the border.
✅ What is an Inventory Linked Entry?
An inventory linked entry means that your customs declaration is directly connected to the inventory system of a port or terminal — often through systems like MCP Destin8 or CNS.
Key Features:
- Used at major UK ports and airports like:
- Felixstowe
- Southampton
- Tilbury
- London Gateway
- Heathrow
- Commonly applies to containerised sea freight and air freight.
- Requires a Cargo UCN (Unique Consignment Number), which ties your declaration to the physical cargo record in the system.
- Without the correct UCN, the goods may not be released.
🚫 What is a Non-Inventory Linked Entry?
A non-inventory linked entry is not connected to any port or terminal inventory system. Instead, it relies on other mechanisms for customs control.
Common Scenarios:
- Road freight arriving via:
- Dover
- Eurotunnel
- Inland Border Facilities (IBFs)
- In these cases, you’ll use a GMR (Goods Movement Reference) to link the customs declaration to the physical movement of the goods.
- Typically involves standalone customs declarations submitted directly into the CDS system.
🔍 Why It Matters
Understanding the type of entry you’re making is crucial for smooth clearance:
| Inventory Linked | Non-Inventory Linked |
|---|---|
| Requires UCN | Requires GMR |
| Tied to port system (e.g., Destin8) | Not tied to port inventory |
| Used at large seaports & airports | Used at road terminals & IBFs |
Failure to match your declaration to the correct system can delay release, incur penalties, or cause missed deliveries — especially in time-sensitive supply chains.
🧭 Need Help Navigating UK Imports?
At Transportify, we simplify customs for businesses across Europe. Whether you’re bringing in a single pallet by road or handling container loads at a major port, our team can guide you through the right process — and make sure nothing gets stuck at the border.
📨 Get in touch or request a quote to learn how we can support your UK import operations.
