Businesses moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland can access a new version of the free Trader Support Service (TSS), with existing users due to transfer automatically by 20 October 2026.

HM Revenue & Customs has published guidance explaining how businesses can register for the replacement service, which supports customs, safety and security declarations, and associated payments. For Irish hauliers and transport managers involved in these movements, the immediate priority is to check access and ensure the staff handling declarations can use the system.

Existing users do not need to register again

HMRC says businesses already registered with the outgoing TSS do not need to submit a fresh registration. Their accounts will be migrated to the new service on or before 20 October.

Where a business is already registered, additional staff must join through an email invitation issued by its account administrator. Transport managers should therefore check who administers the company account and arrange access for colleagues responsible for declarations.

Free declaration support

The replacement TSS provides an online system for customs and safety and security declarations covering movements between Great Britain — England, Scotland and Wales — and Northern Ireland.

Users can also access guidance, webinars and email bulletins, alongside a digital assistant and contact centre agents who can help with declarations.

For operators coordinating loads with customers or customs representatives, checking access before the next movement is a practical step towards avoiding last-minute administrative delays.

What new users need

Businesses registering for the first time must have an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number.

Applicants will need their name, email address, telephone number and job title, together with the business name and email address. A business telephone number and VAT registration number are optional.

HMRC says registration can accommodate an XI EORI, an EORI issued by an EU country, a parent organisation’s EORI or a GB EORI.

Businesses can also supply relevant customs authorisation details where applicable. These include simplified declaration arrangements, entry in declarant’s records, duty deferment accounts and customs or excise warehouse authorisations.

Check access before moving goods

The guidance concerns access to the replacement declaration service. Operators should establish who is responsible for completing the declarations for each movement and ensure that person has the necessary account access and consignment information.

Existing users should check their migrated account, while businesses joining for the first time can register for the Trader Support Service here.