Trader Support Service (TSS) is a UK government-funded service that helps businesses move goods from Great Britain (GB) to Northern Ireland (NI) by managing the customs and safety declaration requirements created by the Northern Ireland Protocol / Windsor Framework.
Below is a simple summary of the Trader Support process for NI deliveries.
1. The trader registers with the Trader Support Service
- The buyer (or its haulier/agent) signs up to TSS.
- Registration enables access to the TSS digital portal, guidance, and support.
- TSS also ensures the trader has the necessary EORI number and compliance information.
2. The trader provides shipment data
Before goods move from GB to NI, the trader or carrier submits key information to the TSS portal, such as:
- Consignment details
- Commodity codes
- Value and description of goods
- Commercial invoice/packing list
- Transport details
This information is required to create the customs and safety declarations.
3. TSS generates the required declarations
Using the submitted data, the system creates the declarations required for NI entry, typically including:
- Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) – safety and security data for the goods.
- Simplified Frontier Declaration or equivalent for the goods entering NI.
- Supplementary Declaration submitted later to finalise customs details.
TSS can submit these declarations directly to HMRC systems on the trader’s behalf.
4. Movement of goods
- The haulier uses the declaration references generated by TSS when transporting the goods.
- Goods travel from GB to NI ports.
- Authorities may carry out checks if required.
5. Post-movement declaration completion
- After the goods arrive, a Supplementary Declaration must be submitted (usually by the 10th working day of the following month).
This completes the customs process and confirms final duty/VAT treatment.
If you would like to connect to our Customer Support Team, you can by using the chat button or the contact us form