HMRC has announced that a free-to-use data system will be rolled out for users of the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).
Any declarant, or third-party provider acting on a trader’s behalf, can use the service to request customs data reports.
It’s the same data that HMRC uses during audits. While businesses could purchase this information from government, many traders, particularly SMEs, had no idea that the service even existed.
Users will be able to access their data much sooner, allowing them to review it and act upon it, including working with customs intermediaries to amend any errors quickly.
The current paid system will run until 31 March 2026, after which the new, self-service system will be the only option for businesses.
The system is still in its public beta phase, so some functions are not available yet.
Anyone wanting to use the service must be subscribed to CDS, have a GB-EORI number and a Government Gateway User ID.