For those businesses that move goods between Great Britain (“GB”) and Northern Ireland, the Trader Support Service (“TSS”) has been somewhat of a curate’s egg in terms of user experience.
The TSS was set up as a temporary measure when the UK left the EU but was subject to a review after 4 years including whether there was still a need for the TSS> The overwhelming response was that there was still a need. In January 2026, the government appointed NetCompany, a consortium of businesses, to upgrade the TSS system. That upgrade has been happening in the background and is now ready to be deployed!
The old TSS platform (“TSS1”) will be unavailable for movements of goods between GB and NI from midnight on 19 October 2026. It will also not accept new users from 14 October 2026.
The new TSS platform (“TSS2”) will be used for all movements between GB and NI from 20 October 2026. Movements entered into TSS1 before this date will be accessible until 20 November 2026 when the TSS1 platform will be closed down.
What should businesses do now?
- TSS2 will be open to all users from 1 October 2026
- Make sure all documents have been downloaded for all movement made using TSS1 before 20 November 2026
- Enrol for the TSS 2 practice area before 20 October 2026 so that movements can be practiced without being submitted.
- Enrol in the pilot scheme here to submit movements early and get specialised assistance from the TSS2 team
If you need any support our indirect tax team is ready to help.
