The new Trader Support Service (TSS) officially launched on 20 October 2026, introducing a redesigned digital platform for businesses moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Operated by Netcompany, the updated service replaces the outgoing TSS platform and aims to make customs declarations easier to manage, with improved functionality, clearer guidance and additional digital support.
From 20 October, all new goods movements must be submitted through the new platform. Businesses can no longer create new movements in the outgoing service.
TSS remains free to use, and the underlying customs processes and legal obligations under the Windsor Framework have not changed.
What can users expect from the new TSS platform?
The new platform has been designed to provide a more intuitive experience for traders, hauliers and customs intermediaries.
Although businesses will continue to use TSS for customs and safety and security declarations, the updated service introduces several improvements to how users manage their information and obtain assistance.
These include:
- Improved digital guidance: clearer instructions and on-screen support intended to help users navigate declaration requirements and resolve errors.
- Digital assistant: users can ask questions, access guidance and raise support cases. TSS has also introduced co-browsing support, allowing advisers to view a user’s screen with permission.
- CSV uploads: a new bulk-upload facility allows users to add up to 99 goods records to a declaration, reducing repetitive manual entry.
- Integrated customs information: businesses can connect their Trader Goods Profile (TGP) to pre-populate certain information in Internal Market Movement Information (IMMI) submissions.
- Goods movement support: users can configure Goods Movement Reference (GMR) automation through the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS), subject to the necessary account permissions.
The platform also allows businesses to manage company details, customs authorisations, user permissions and payments.
Further improvements, including reporting tools and declaration templates, have been outlined as part of the service’s ongoing development. Businesses should consult the latest TSS guidance for confirmed availability.
Existing users: a new sign-in process
Businesses previously registered with TSS have been migrated to the new service and do not need to register their company again.
However, accessing the platform requires some additional steps.
The existing account administrator must sign in first to activate the business account. Users must reset their password and configure multi-factor authentication (MFA), which will be required for subsequent sign-ins.
Businesses should also review their migrated information, particularly:
- Company contact details and EORI numbers.
- User accounts and third-party permissions.
- UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS) authorisations and Trader Goods Profile connections.
- Customs authorisations, payment arrangements and duty deferment details.
New businesses can register directly through the updated platform, while additional users must obtain access through their company’s administrator.
What happens to declarations on the outgoing TSS?
An important distinction is that historical goods movement data has not been transferred to the new platform.
The outgoing TSS remains accessible until 30 November 2026 for completing existing movements, resolving outstanding declarations and retrieving records.
TSS has advised businesses to submit outstanding Supplementary Declarations through the outgoing platform by 10 November 2026 and ensure any remaining declarations are fully resolved and closed by 30 November.
Businesses should also download historical records they may need for customs compliance, reconciliation or audit purposes before access ends.
Customs declaration data can also be obtained through HMRC’s Trade Reporting and Extracting (TRE) service, although businesses should not assume this replaces every record held in the outgoing TSS.
What should businesses do now?
With the new platform operational, businesses using TSS should prioritise completing their account setup and familiarising themselves with the revised system.
The official TSS practice environment remains available for users wishing to test declaration processes without submitting live movements.
Businesses should also coordinate with customs agents, hauliers and other parties responsible for their movements to confirm who will complete each declaration and which platform applies.
Further information and support
Businesses can access the new Trader Support Service and consult its official getting started guidance.
For platform access or technical assistance, the new TSS contact centre can be reached on 0800 870 8173.
For wider advice on customs compliance, declaration requirements or moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, contact our International Trade team at trade@tvchamber.co.uk.
