A new Customs Intermediaries Standard has been launched to establish a clear benchmark for professionalism and best practice across the customs intermediary sector. Alongside the Standard, a certification programme is being developed that will enable intermediaries to demonstrate compliance and help traders make more informed choices when selecting service providers.

The certification scheme is expected to be introduced within the next 12 to 18 months. It will provide a consistent framework covering key areas including due diligence, operational systems and processes, customer service, transparency, complaints management, and ongoing professional development.

The initiative is sponsored by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and has been developed in partnership with industry representatives and the British Standards Institution (BSI). It represents the first time that best practice guidance for customs intermediaries has been brought together into a single, sector-wide framework.

The Standard follows concerns raised during a 2022 call for evidence and a public consultation conducted in 2023, which highlighted inconsistencies in service quality across the sector. In response, the Government committed to creating a recognised standard aimed at improving consistency, professionalism, and trust within the customs intermediary industry.

What This Means for Customs Intermediaries

Customs intermediaries are encouraged to:

• Use the Standard as a tool to assess and strengthen their existing systems, procedures, and customer service practices.
• Be transparent with customers about due diligence requirements. Requesting detailed and accurate information is an important part of delivering compliant and high-quality customs services.
• Demonstrate professionalism, consistency, and commitment to industry best practice by aligning with the Standard.

What This Means for Traders

The Standard also provides benefits for businesses that rely on customs intermediaries by:

• Defining what good service should look like, helping traders select and work confidently with a trusted intermediary.
• Explaining why intermediaries may request detailed information about goods, supply chains, and business activities as part of their due diligence obligations and compliance with customs legislation.
• Encouraging traders to provide accurate and complete information to minimise errors, support the smooth movement of goods across borders, and maintain compliance with customs requirements.

For further information, download the HMRC summary document below or follow the link to the BSI website.