New Rules for UK Customs Data: What your business needs to know

As of 31 March 2026, HMRC has changed how British businesses track their imports and exports. The old system of paying for "MSS" or "CDS" data reports is gone. Now, every trader can access their full declaration history for free through the Government Gateway. 

While saving money on subscription fees is a win, this change comes with a clear message: HMRC expects you to be watching your own data. 

What has changed? 

The new service, "Get customs data for import and export declarations," is now the only official way to see what is being declared in your name. 

It’s Free: No more monthly fees for data reports. 

It’s On-Demand: You can request reports whenever you need them. 

It’s Your Responsibility: If your EORI number is on a declaration, you are legally responsible for the accuracy of the data, even if you hire an agent to do the paperwork. 

Why this matters for your business 

HMRC uses this exact same data to decide who to audit. Because the information is now free and easy to get, they will expect you to check it regularly. Key areas to monitor include: 

Commodity Codes: Are your goods classified correctly to ensure the right duty is paid? 

Customs Value: Is the price of the goods declared accurately? 

Reliefs and Preferences: Are you correctly claiming "zero-duty" or using special schemes like Inward Processing? 

Errors in these areas can lead to unexpected tax bills and penalties if they aren't caught early. 

4 Steps to stay compliant 

1. Check your Gateway access Confirm that the correct team members have permissions to use the "Get customs data" service within your Government Gateway account. 

2. Assign a Data Owner Designate a specific person or department to download and check these reports monthly. Compliance should no longer sit in a vacuum. 

3. Audit your agents Compare these official HMRC reports against the instructions you gave your freight forwarders to ensure they are filing correctly. 

4. Keep clean records Match your HMRC reports against invoices and shipping documents so you are always prepared if an inspector calls. 

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How Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce can help 

At the Greater Manchester Chamber, we help local businesses manage these digital shifts without the stress. We provide: 

Customs Data Reviews: We can help you make sense of your reports and spot potential errors. 

Specialist Advice: Guidance on HS codes, duty reliefs, and complex trade rules. 

Staff Training: Practical workshops to help your team manage customs compliance with confidence. 

Get in touch 

If you need support with your customs data or have questions about the new HMRC requirements, our international trade team is ready to help. Email us at: international@gmchamber.co.uk