Written by Beth Dibnah, Customs Clearance Coordinator, at ChamberCustoms
From March 2026, HMRC has introduced a major change to how UK businesses access their customs declaration data. For the first time, traders can access detailed import and export declaration reports free of charge through their Government Gateway, replacing the long‑standing paid subscription model previously used for Management Support System (MSS) and CDS reports.
At first glance, this looks great. However, while removing subscription fees is welcome, the real impact of this change lies in how it reshapes compliance expectations, audit readiness, and data accountability for UK traders.
Customs data visibility has increased and so has responsibility.
What has changed?
HMRC has launched a new self‑service platform, known as Get customs data for import and export declarations, which is due to become the sole official route for accessing UK customs declaration data from 31 March 2026.
This means:
· Paid MSS and CDS reporting is due to end on 31 March 2026
· Customs declaration data can now be requested on demand
· Access is managed directly via the Government Gateway
· Data is available for GB EORI numbers
What data can businesses now access?
Through the new service, traders can request detailed reports covering their import and export declarations, including:
· Commodity codes
· Customs values
· Customs duty and import VAT amounts
· Procedure Codes
· Additional Procedure Codes
· Origin and preference data
Reports are provided in downloadable formats and are based on the same CDS data that HMRC uses for compliance checks and post‑clearance audits.
This applies even where declarations are submitted by customs agents or freight forwarders on a trader’s behalf – if your EORI appears on the declaration, the data is tied to you.
Why this is more than just a cost saving
While businesses will no longer pay hundreds of pounds per year for access to customs reports, HMRC’s move should be seen as part of a broader trend towards data‑driven compliance.
By removing the cost associated to accessing customs data, HMRC is giving traders direct visibility of what is being declared in their name. Therefore, they also will expect traders to actively review and understand that data.
What this means for compliance and audits
Customs declaration data is not background information. It determines how much duty and VAT is paid, whether a relief is valid, and whether preference claims are compliant.
Errors in areas such as: commodity classification, customs valuation, use of special procedures (IP, OP, RGR, customs warehousing) or preferential origin claims can lead to retrospective duty demands, penalties, and audits if left unchecked.
With free and immediate access to this data now available, HMRC is likely to view regular data review as a standard element of good compliance governance.
What businesses should be doing now
To make the most of this change, and to minimise risk, businesses should consider the following steps:
· Set up access early
Ensure the correct people in your organisation have Government Gateway access.
· Assign data ownership
Decide who internally is responsible for reviewing customs data and acting on any issues identified.
· Review declarations regularly
Compare customs data against invoices, shipping documents, and agent instructions to confirm accuracy.
· Check agent performance
Use declaration data to verify that agents are declaring goods in line with your agreed instructions.
· Prepare for audit
Treat regular data reviews as part of your audit‑readiness process rather than a reactive exercise.
How ChamberCustoms can help
ChamberCustoms supports businesses with:
· Customs data reviews and compliance audits
· Advice on customs procedures, reliefs and preference claims
· Practical training to help teams understand and use customs data confidently
If you are unsure how this change affects your organisation, or would like support reviewing your customs data, our team is here to help.