Forwarding, Freight News, Logistics
HMRC launches standards for customs firms
[ June 8, 2026 // Chris Lewis ]The UK government has created a standards framework for Customs Intermediaries to set expectations of good practice across the sector and to raise service quality.
The Standard for Customs Intermediaries ( PAS41201:2026) has been published as a Publicly Available Specification (PAS) on the British Standards Institution (BSI) website and set out a shared baseline of good practice covering areas such as due diligence, systems and processes, customer service, transparency, complaints handling and continued professional development.
Sponsored by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and developed collaboratively with industry representatives and the BSI, it is the first time best practice for customs intermediaries has been formally brought together in a single, sector-wide framework.
HMRC’s director of customs policy and strategy, Alex Pienaar, said: “Excellent standards across the customs intermediary sector are essential to maintaining a smooth and efficient border system, which benefits our traders and supports economic growth.
“Traders will be able to make informed choices about who they work with thanks to this new Standard, which has been developed in full partnership between industry and HMRC. It sets out a clear, shared view of good practice, helping customs intermediaries to deliver their vital role in the border system, whilst maintaining agreed standards under a clear framework.”
The standard does not replace existing authorisations such as Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), which remains focused on compliance. Instead, it complements existing regimes by placing greater emphasis on transparency, customer service and continuous professional development.
A certification scheme is being developed so that intermediaries can prove they adhere to the new standard and enable traders to make more informed decisions.
The British International Freight Association welcomed the standard, having been involved in itse development and preparation. Director general, Steve Parker said: “This marks an important step forward for our industry. As customs requirements continue to evolve, it is essential that traders and customs intermediaries have a clear understanding of their respective roles, responsibilities and obligations.
“BIFA was pleased to contribute to the design and development of PAS 41201:2026, helping to ensure that it is both practical and relevant for organisations that act as customs intermediaries and are responsible for preparing and submitting customs declarations or providing related customs services on behalf of traders.
“PAS41201:2026 provides a sound basis for building sustainable, transparent and effective relationships between traders and their customs agents, which is critical to maintaining compliance and supporting efficient supply chains.”
BIFA says that, by setting out clear expectations, it aims to reduce misunderstandings, improve data quality and strengthen compliance.
It sets out the core principles and behaviour that customs intermediaries should follow when fulfilling customs declarations and carrying out closely related services such as paying tariffs or duties, or arranging the movement of goods.
BIFA adds that it sits alongside the well-established AEO programme, which is an internationally recognised quality mark indicating that a business’s role in the international supply chain is secure, and its customs controls and procedures are highly compliant.
Parker said: While the AEO programme offers a recognised framework for organisations involved in international trade, PAS 41201:2026 establishes a specification specifically for customs intermediaries, defining what good practice looks like for the industry.”
He concluded: “We encourage all BIFA members to review and adopt the specification as a basis for good practice within their businesses. Wider adoption will help to raise standards across the sector and support the delivery of high-quality customs services to the trading community.”
Tags: HMRC; BIFA