Your pallets may be ready for collection, but is your declaration process ready for the next shipment?

Businesses using the Trader Support Service, known as TSS, should check their arrangements ahead of 20 October 2026. HMRC has confirmed that all new movements submitted through TSS from that date must use the new service. For businesses sending pallets between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, checking access and responsibilities now can help avoid last-minute problems. GOV.UK

What is changing?
The new TSS platform replaces the outgoing service. It remains free to use and provides a system for customs and safety and security declarations, alongside guidance and support.
This article concerns the platform transition for businesses using TSS. The information and declarations required for an individual shipment still depend on the goods and the movement involved. Confirm those requirements with the person handling your declarations. GOV.UK

Already registered? Check your access
HMRC says businesses registered with the outgoing TSS will be migrated to the new service on or before 20 October 2026. They do not need to register again.
If you need to join an existing business account as an additional user, ask the account administrator to send you an invitation. GOV.UK
Before your next collection, check that the people responsible for declarations can access the correct business account. Allow time to resolve login or permission issues before a shipment becomes urgent.
It is also useful to identify a backup contact. If the usual administrator is unavailable, your team should know who can help with access or declaration queries.

New to TSS? Gather your registration information
For businesses registering for the first time, HMRC’s guidance lists personal contact information, business details and an Economic Operators Registration and Identification number, known as an EORI number.
The registration guidance explains the EORI types accepted and the additional authorisation or payment details that may be provided where relevant. Use the official instructions when setting up your account. GOV.UK
Registration should be part of your preparation, rather than a task left until the collection vehicle is due. Give your team time to understand the service and establish who will manage it.

Confirm who is handling the declarations
Booking transport and arranging declarations are connected tasks, but the responsibilities need to be clear.
If an agent, intermediary or another business submits information on your behalf, ask how they are preparing for the transition. Confirm what they need from you and when they need it.

Useful questions include:
• Who will prepare and submit the required declarations?
• Is the person using TSS ready to work through the new service?
• Which shipment details and documents must we provide?
• Who will respond if further information is requested?
• Which references must be shared with the transport provider?
A short conversation before dispatch can help prevent a shipment reaching collection day with an unresolved responsibility.

Check the shipment information before collection
A platform change is a useful opportunity to review how information moves between your supplier, shipping team, declaration provider and carrier.
For a pallet shipment, prepare accurate collection and delivery addresses, contact details, pallet quantities, packed dimensions and weights. Have clear descriptions of the goods and the relevant commercial documents available for the person preparing the declaration.
Tell your transport provider about access restrictions, unloading arrangements or delivery appointments when requesting the service. If your supplier changes the quantity or contents, pass on the revised information before collection.
The aim is to ensure everyone is working from the same shipment details.

Your preparation checklist
Before your next movement:
• Check whether your business or its declaration provider uses TSS.
• Confirm access to the new service.
• Identify the account administrator and declaration contact.
• Agree who is supplying information and handling queries.
• Check the planned movement date against the transition guidance.
• Confirm transport arrangements and any required references.
• Keep the latest official guidance available to your team.

Where to find official support
Read HMRC’s Trader Support Service guidance and registration instructions.
HMRC lists the TSS support number as 0800 870 8173, available from 8am to 5.30pm, seven days a week.GOV.UK

Discuss your pallet delivery with SMA Worldwide
When planning a pallet movement, share the collection location, destination, goods description, pallet details and required delivery date with the SMA Worldwide team.
Discuss the proposed route and service availability before booking, and confirm how transport arrangements will work alongside the declarations required for your shipment.

Planning a pallet delivery to Northern Ireland? Contact SMA Worldwide to discuss your requirements.
01923 290 490
cs@smaworldwide.com
Contact SMA Worldwide