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ASM calls for action after Single Trade Window is canned

[ June 26, 2025   //   ]

Freight software firm Agency Sector Management (ASM) programme manager Simon Adams has called for the government to act decisively following the effective shelving of the Single Trade Window (STW) project.

He said: “The STW began as a step in the right direction, but the execution, what there was of it, missed the mark.”

He added that the fragmented systems and redundant data processes still in place were increasing the cost to businesses and led to inefficiency at the border.

He continued: “Rather than returning to a somewhat flawed ‘tell us once’ approach, we are calling for a pragmatic shift toward smarter data sharing between existing government systems.

“By enabling cross-departmental data reuse, such as linking customs declarations submitted via CDS with the Safety & Security requirements managed by the Home Office, trade can be relieved of unnecessary duplication, without sacrificing compliance, data quality or visibility.

“The technology to simplify trade already exists. What we need now is the political will to connect the dots. A unified data model and consistent interface standards across all government border systems would transform how UK businesses trade globally.”

Originally championed as part of the 2025 Border Strategy, the STW was designed to simplify and streamline the interaction between traders and UK border agencies.

However, following critical findings from the National Audit Office and growing fiscal pressure, the project stalled.

“The government must focus more on joining up what already exists. If the UK is serious about maintaining competitive trade post-Brexit, digital customs reform must be data-led, interoperable, and built in partnership with the industry,” said Adams.

Other international projects, like the EU’s Customs Data Hub, recognise the scale of such change, with longer-term roadmaps and realistic delivery timelines.

ASM is calling for the UK to adopt a similarly strategic, long-term approach.

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