HMRC Launches Free Get Customs Data Service: What UK Traders Need to Know

On 13 November 2025, HMRC launched a significant new self-service tool that gives UK importers, exporters, and their agents free access to their customs declaration data. The

Get Customs Data for Import and Export Declarations service represents a major shift in how businesses can access, review, and audit their customs information—without the fees previously associated with Management Support System (MSS) reports.

This guide explains what the new service offers, who can use it, how it works, and what you need to get started.

What Is the Get Customs Data Service?

The Get Customs Data service is a free, online platform provided by HMRC that allows users to request reports based on their import and export data held in the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). These reports are structured similarly to the familiar MSS reports that many traders have relied on for years.

The service went live on 13 November 2025, following a private beta testing phase that ran from 28 August to 7 November 2025. During this beta period, 22 unique users accessed the service, resulting in 94 sessions and 169 report downloads.

Why This Matters for Your Business

Access to your customs declaration data is essential for effective compliance management. The new service enables you to:

• Check declaration accuracy – Verify that your customs submissions are correct and complete
• Support audits and investigations – Provide evidence during HMRC post-clearance checks or internal reviews
• Review agent declarations – Monitor declarations submitted on your behalf by customs brokers or freight forwarders
• Track trading activity – Analyse your import and export patterns over time

Previously, obtaining this level of detail required subscribing to paid MSS reports at £240 plus VAT per report type per year. With the new service, this data is available at no cost, making compliance oversight accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Who Can Use the Service?

The service is available to:

• Importers and exporters – Businesses that trade goods internationally
• Declarants – Customs agents and brokers who submit declarations on behalf of clients
• Third parties – Consultancy firms, accountants, or advisors acting on behalf of traders (with client permission granted through the service)

Available Report Types

The service provides four types of reports, each offering different levels of detail:

Data Availability and Limitations

When requesting reports, there are some important parameters to note:

• Date range: You can request up to 31 consecutive days of data per report
• Historical data: Reports can cover any period within the last 4 years
• Recent data exclusion: Data from the past 2 days is not available
• Delivery time: Reports are typically available within 72 hours of request
• Format: Reports are delivered as CSV files

Current Limitation: GB EORI Numbers Only

Important: The service currently only provides data for EORI numbers starting with GB. If you need data for an XI EORI number (Northern Ireland), you will need to use the paid service on the UK Trade Info website

Prerequisites: What You Need to Get Started

Before you can access the service, ensure you have the following:

1. CDS Subscription: You must be subscribed to the Customs Declaration Service
2. GB EORI Number: A valid EORI number starting with GB
3. Government Gateway User ID: An individual or organisation Government Gateway account (note: agent Government Gateway IDs cannot be used to sign in)

How It Works: Step by Step

For Importers, Exporters, and Declarants

1. Sign in to the service using your Government Gateway user ID
2. Select the report type you need
3. Specify the date range (up to 31 consecutive days)
4. Submit your request
5. Wait for the email notification confirming your report is ready (up to 72 hours)
6. Download your report as a CSV file from the service

Note: You can only request data for the EORI number linked to your Government Gateway user ID. To get data for multiple EORI numbers, you will need to sign in separately using the Government Gateway user ID linked to each EORI.

For Third Parties

Third parties such as accountants or consultants can request data for multiple EORI numbers using a single Government Gateway user ID. However, your clients must first grant you permission to access their data through the service.

How This Fits with Your Customs Operations

The Get Customs Data service complements your customs filing workflow by providing an official record of what was actually declared to HMRC. This is particularly valuable because:

• Audit defence: When HMRC conducts post-clearance checks, they assess what appears in their systems—not your internal records. The data from this service is the definitive source.
• Agent oversight: If you use customs agents or brokers, you can verify that declarations were submitted correctly on your behalf.
• Duty reclaim opportunities: Reviewing your data may reveal overpaid duties that can be reclaimed.
• Compliance assurance: Regular data reviews help identify and correct systematic errors before they become costly problems.

When you file your customs declarations through the Customs Declarations UK platform, you already benefit from real-time validation, guided workflows, and secure archiving. The Get Customs Data service adds another layer of transparency by allowing you to independently verify what HMRC holds on record.

Practical Recommendations

To make the most of this new service:

1. Establish a review schedule: Consider pulling monthly reports to maintain ongoing oversight of your customs activity
2. Cross-reference with internal records: Compare the HMRC data against your invoices, contracts, and filing records to identify discrepancies
3. Document your processes: Demonstrating that you regularly review customs data shows reasonable care and due diligence
4. Act on findings promptly: If you identify errors, work with your customs agent or use the appropriate HMRC amendment procedures
5. Keep records: Store downloaded reports with your customs documentation for the statutory six-year retention period

Conclusion

The launch of the Get Customs Data for Import and Export Declarations service marks an important step forward in customs transparency and accessibility. By removing cost barriers and providing self-service access to official declaration data, HMRC has made it easier for businesses of all sizes to maintain strong compliance oversight.

While the service is in public beta and some features are still being refined, it already offers significant value for traders wanting to verify their customs submissions, prepare for audits, or simply understand their trading patterns better.

Combined with accurate, validated filings through the Customs Declarations UK platform, this new data access service gives you the tools you need for complete control over your customs compliance.

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