HMRC launches call for evidence on the future of UK customs
UK Customs has launched a new initiative inviting businesses and trade professionals to share their views on the future of international trade and the role of digitalised and modernised trading practices within the UK customs regime.
The government is encouraging engagement from businesses of all sizes and levels of experience, including those importing to and exporting from the UK. The call for evidence is particularly relevant to traders, freight forwarders, hauliers and customs software providers, all of whom play an important role in the movement of goods across borders.
The consultation focuses on three key areas. First, it seeks views on the future of international trade and how changes in global trading practices may affect commercial operations and the UK customs system. Second, it explores the future of customs data, including how the UK customs model currently aligns with digital business operations and where improvements could be made. Third, it asks whether the UK’s current approach to customs authorisations is suitable for a modernised trading environment, both now and in the future.
The call for evidence is now live and will close on 15 September 2026.
HMRC is encouraging respondents to complete the online form, available here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CustomsModernisation/
Not all questions will be relevant to every respondent, and businesses are welcome to answer only the sections that apply to them. Partial responses are also encouraged.
The government intends to publish a summary of responses within 12 weeks of the call for evidence closing. The evidence received will help inform future customs policy development and may result in further consultation at a later stage.
Further information is available on the government website, by following the link below.
