New customs system for Northern Ireland trade
Businesses using the Trader Support Service (TSS) to move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland need to prepare for a new platform launching soon. From 20 October 2026, all goods movements must be submitted using the new TSS platform.
Businesses are being asked to pre-enrol before the switchover. From 1 October, existing TSS users will receive an email explaining how to pre-enrol for the new platform. They will also be given access to a test environment so they can familiarise themselves with the new system before it becomes mandatory.
The TSS is a free digital service that supports businesses moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and helps them comply with the Windsor Framework.
Businesses will need to create a new password and check that their business details and permissions are up to date. HMRC says that updating a profile should generally take between 5-30 minutes, depending on the size of the business and the information available.
From 20 October, the existing TSS platform will no longer accept new goods movements. Businesses that have not completed the switchover could therefore be unable to submit declarations through the service.
The customs processes and legal obligations for businesses are not changing. However, the new platform is intended to provide improved functionality and support.
