Businesses using the UK Trader Support Service (TSS) are being asked to prepare for a major platform change in October 2026.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has confirmed that the new TSS platform will go live for all users on 20 October 2026. From that date, businesses must use the new platform to submit goods movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Existing TSS users are being encouraged to pre-enrol before 20 October and familiarise themselves with the new system to avoid disruption to their customs processes.
When Will the New Trader Support Service Platform Go Live?
The new Trader Support Service platform will be available to all users from 20 October 2026.
From this date:
- All new goods movements must be submitted through the new TSS platform.
- The current TSS platform will no longer accept new movements.
- Existing registered TSS users will be migrated to the new service.
- Businesses will need to access the new platform and update relevant account details and permissions.
The new platform is being operated by Netcompany, which has a five-year contract to deliver the Trader Support Service, with two potential one-year extensions.
What Should Existing TSS Users Do?
Watch for the Invitation Email
From 1 October 2026, businesses currently using TSS will receive emails containing instructions on how to pre-enrol for the new platform.
Businesses should monitor their registered email addresses so they do not miss the invitation or instructions.
Pre-Enrol Before 20 October
HMRC is encouraging businesses to complete pre-enrolment before the switchover date.
Existing users will not need to register for TSS again. However, they will need to access the new service and ensure their information is ready for the transition.
Create a New Password
Businesses will need to create a new password when moving to the new platform.
They should also check that their business information and user permissions are accurate and up to date. HMRC estimates that updating a profile may take around 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the business and the information available.
Can Businesses Test the New TSS Platform?
Yes. Businesses will receive instructions for accessing a test environment where they can familiarise themselves with the new platform before the transition.
The new platform has already been running in private beta since July 2026, with hundreds of declarations successfully submitted. Feedback from participating businesses has been used to make further improvements.
Will Customs Rules Change?
The platform is changing, but HMRC states that the customs processes and businesses’ legal and regulatory obligations remain the same.
The new platform is intended to provide improved functionality and enhanced support while continuing to support businesses moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework.
Why Is the Trader Support Service Important?
The Trader Support Service is a free digital service that supports businesses moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
It can provide education, training and advice relating to the Windsor Framework and can complete customs and safety and security declarations on behalf of businesses where required.
Businesses may use the service when moving goods themselves or when acting on behalf of another party, such as a haulier.
What Should Businesses Check Before 20 October?
Businesses currently using TSS should consider completing the following steps:
- Monitor emails from HMRC from 1 October 2026.
- Complete pre-enrolment for the new platform.
- Create the required new password.
- Review business details and user permissions.
- Access the test environment and familiarise users with the new platform.
- Prepare internal teams for the platform change before 20 October.
- Ensure upcoming goods movements are ready to be submitted through the new service.
Note
The key transition date is 20 October 2026. From this date, the existing TSS platform will not accept new goods movements. Businesses moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland should therefore complete the required preparation before the switchover.
Conclusion
The Trader Support Service is moving to a new platform for all users on 20 October 2026. While the underlying customs processes and legal obligations remain unchanged, businesses will need to complete the platform transition steps.
Existing TSS users should watch for their HMRC invitation from 1 October, complete pre-enrolment, update their account details and permissions, and use the test environment to become familiar with the new system before the October deadline.
