New Trader Support Service platform now mandatory for GB–Northern Ireland goods movements

28 October 2026

 

Businesses moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland must now use the new Trader Support Service (TSS) platform, following its launch on 20 October 2026.

The change affects importers, exporters, hauliers and customs intermediaries using TSS to manage goods movements and declarations under the Windsor Framework.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has confirmed that all new movements from 20 October must be submitted through the replacement system, while the outgoing platform will close completely on 30 November 2026.

Businesses can access the replacement platform through HMRC's official Declare goods using the Trader Support Service page, which also provides guidance on signing in, making declarations and accessing support.

What has changed?

The Trader Support Service is a free Government-funded service helping businesses manage customs requirements for goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The replacement platform, operated by Netcompany, provides access to:

  • Customs and safety and security declarations

  • Management of goods movements and associated payments

  • Company information, customs authorisations and user permissions

  • Guidance, webinars and technical support

  • A digital assistant and contact centre support

HMRC confirmed the transition in its September announcement, explaining that the new platform would replace the service previously operated by a Fujitsu-led consortium.

HMRC has published guidance on registering for and accessing the new TSS.

The change is operational rather than regulatory. Existing customs obligations under the Windsor Framework remain unchanged, and businesses must continue meeting their declaration and compliance requirements.

Important deadlines for businesses

Two dates are particularly important:

20 October 2026 – New platform becomes mandatory

All new goods movements must be started and submitted through the replacement TSS platform. The outgoing system no longer accepts declarations for new movements.

30 November 2026 – Outgoing platform closes

Businesses can continue accessing the previous system until 30 November to complete declarations associated with movements started before 20 October and retrieve historical records.

After this date, the outgoing platform will no longer be accessible.

What should existing TSS users do?

Businesses already registered with TSS have been migrated to the replacement platform and do not need to register again.

However, users should confirm that their accounts are fully accessible and that their business information has transferred correctly.

Important checks include:

  • Company details: Verify business addresses, contact information and EORI numbers.

  • User access: Confirm that employees responsible for customs declarations can access the system.

  • Customs authorisations: Check relevant permissions, including the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS), where applicable.

  • Agent relationships: Ensure customs agents and intermediaries retain the permissions needed to act on behalf of the business.

  • Payment arrangements: Check the details used to manage any duties or charges.

  • Outstanding declarations: Identify unfinished movements and supplementary declarations in the outgoing system.

Businesses should also familiarise themselves with the replacement platform's declaration procedures, particularly where multiple employees or external agents are involved.

Outstanding declarations must be completed before 30 November

One of the most important requirements concerns declarations that remain open in the outgoing TSS.

Businesses should review their records and identify any outstanding supplementary declarations requiring further information or action.

A supplementary declaration is not complete simply because it has been submitted. Users should check that its status shows as closed and resolve any outstanding requirements.

The Northern Ireland Customs and Trade Academy has advised businesses to prioritise older declarations and ensure they are completed before access to the previous platform ends.

Its TSS guidance on the October transition also reminds users to download any records they may need before 30 November.

Historical declaration information may also be available through HMRC's Trade Reporting and Extracting service, but businesses should not assume that all documents held in the outgoing platform will remain accessible after closure.

 

By Carla Assunção, Chamber International

 

Moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland?

Our Shipping to and from Northern Ireland – What You Need to Know training course on 26 November 2026 helps businesses understand customs procedures, documentation and the practical requirements of trading under the Windsor Framework. 

Reserve your place 

Need further guidance on trading with Northern Ireland? Contact our team.

 

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