New Trader Support Service launches for GB-NI movements

HMRC has launched the new Trader Support Service for goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, replacing the outgoing service. From 20 October 2026, all new movements must be submitted using the new serviceGOV. The sign-up page, which previously said the next phase would go live on that date while in private beta, now states the new service has launched.

The new service is free to use and gives traders an online system for making customs and safety and security declarations for GB-NI movements, guidance including regular webinars and email bulletins, and a digital assistant plus contact centre support agents. Through it traders can draft and submit customs, safety and security declarations, check balances and pay duties owed to HMRC, update company details and customs authorisations, and manage permissions — inviting or removing users, adding or removing authority for another business to act, and appointing account administrators.

Anyone not already signed up must register to declare goods moving to or from Northern IrelandGOV. Registration requires moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and holding an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) numberGOV — which may be an XI EORI, an EORI issued by an EU country, a parent organisation's EORI, or one starting GBGOV. Before registering, traders should gather personal details (name, email, contact number, job title), business details (name and email, with contact number and VAT registration number optional), and the EORI number. Optional extras at registration include a simplified declarations procedure number, an entry in declarant's records number, duty deferment account details, and customs or excise warehouse authorisation numbers.

Businesses already registered with the outgoing service do not need to register againGOV: they will be migrated to the new service on or before 20 October 2026GOV. Where a business is already registered, additional users join by invitation — the account administrator sends an invitation by email. The service is open to those declaring themselves, those acting for someone else, and businesses involved in physical movement such as hauliers.

Traders with questions can call the Trader Support Service team on 0800 870 8173 between 8am and 5:30pm, seven days a week. The service was set up in 2020 to support declarations and guidance for GB-NI movements, and the new version continues that end-to-end support under the current arrangements.

Legal basis: customs and safety-and-security declaration requirements for goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, supported through the Trader Support Service.