Unlocking your customs DNA with HMRC’s new data reports.
If you deal with imports or exports, you may already be using HMRC’s paid-for MSS or CDS Data Reports service. That service will officially close on 31 March 2026, with the final paid reports (covering March data) issued in April to those who still hold contracts.
From 1 April 2026, it will be fully replaced by HMRC’s self-service Customs Data for Import and Export Declarations, also known as Trade Reporting and Extracting (TRE). The new system has actually been live since late last year, giving businesses the opportunity to move across early.
The reports available through the new service are fundamentally the same as the paid versions, and even include some additional data fields.
But what does that actually mean for you day-to-day? April Michie, Account Executive from Bethan Customs Consultancy’s gives us the short answer - clearer data, fewer costs and a much easier way to keep on top of your customs compliance!
Wouldn’t you want to see your Customs DNA and know exactly what’s happening behind the scenes?
What is the new service?
Customs Data for Import and Export Declarations is HMRC’s new online tool that lets you download your own customs declaration data straight from your Government Gateway account. It pulls information from both CDS, the current customs system and CHIEF, the older system CDS replaced, so you get a complete picture of your import and export activity.
CDS reports used to cost around £960 + VAT a year. This new service gives you that insight for free.
What can you do with the new service?
● Request up to 31 days of data at a time
● Look back over the past four years
● Download everything in CSV format
● Get reports within 48–72 hours
● See declarations submitted by you or on your behalf
The only limitation is that data from the last two days isn’t available yet. It’s simple, practical, and designed to give you more control over your information.
How to get started
To get started with this new HMRC service, you’ll need three things:
● A GB EORI number
● A Government Gateway ID
● A subscription to the Customs Declaration Service (If you’re already subscribed for imports or exports, you’re good to go)
Once you are set up, you can start requesting reports right away.
Sharing access with a trusted third party
One of the best features of this new HMRC service is that you can give access to third parties - like us at Bethan Customs Consultancy - to manage reports on your behalf. You stay in control the whole time, choosing who can see what and adjusting permissions whenever you need to. It’s an easy way to keep your data organised without adding extra admin.
Why the new service matters
Customs compliance can often feel like it’s always changing - and just when you think you’ve got it figured out too! Customs Data for Import and Export Declarations helps you stay ahead by giving you the information you need to:
● Spot mistakes early
● Notice patterns in your trade activity
● Check that your internal records match what HMRC has on file
● Strengthen your audit trail
● Avoid unnecessary costs or delays
We always say that when you truly understand your data, everything becomes easier. You make better decisions, you can plan with confidence, and you get the reassurance that your compliance is on the right track.
Bethan Customs Consultancy is all about making customs feel clear and manageable. The new reports give you a simple, honest view of what’s happening with your imports and exports; from the goods you’ve moved, to the duties you’ve paid and to any little tweaks or corrections along the way, and we’re here to help you turn all of that information into something genuinely useful for your business.
