On 22 September 2026, HM Revenue & Customs issued an urgent advisory for all users of the Trader Support Service (TSS) to prepare for mandatory migration to a new, upgraded digital platform. The TSS, a free government-funded service established to assist businesses moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework, is transitioning to a more resilient, scalable infrastructure designed to handle increased declaration volumes and enhanced data analytics. The migration is critical for maintaining uninterrupted customs compliance for thousands of traders relying on the service for supplementary declarations, safety and security filings, and duty deferment management.
Key Takeaways
- Mandatory Platform Switch: All existing TSS users must complete account migration by 31 October 2026; legacy access will be revoked thereafter, risking delays in goods movement and potential penalties for late supplementary declarations.
- Enhanced Functionality: The new platform introduces real-time declaration tracking, automated data validation against the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), and integrated duty calculation tools, reducing manual errors and accelerating clearance times at Northern Irish ports.
- Action Required for Agents: Customs intermediaries and freight forwarders managing multiple client accounts must re-authorise each trader relationship on the new system, necessitating immediate coordination with clients to avoid service gaps.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement