Introduction to the Single Trade Window
Published 16 November 2023
© Crown copyright 2023
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/overview-of-the-single-trade-window/introduction-to-the-single-trade-window
The Single Trade Window is an upcoming service that the government will begin to introduce in 2024.
When fully operational, the Single Trade Window will provide a gateway between businesses and UK border processes and systems, allowing users to meet their import, export and transit obligations by submitting information once, and in one place.
The Single Trade Window will bring together other border services and provide features that benefit users, such as applying for and managing licences to trade.
By reducing and simplifying duplicate processes and data requirements, the Single Trade Window will reduce administrative tasks and transform user experiences at the border.
You can read more about the Single Trade Window in the Border Target Operating Model.
When the Single Trade Window will be available for use
The Single Trade Window will be introduced through a series of releases, each one adding greater functionality and improving the user experience over time.
The first release will be built in 2023 and, following user testing, be available for public use in 2024. It will enable users to make entry summary declarations for safety and security and customs import declarations.
Further functionality will follow in later releases.
Who will benefit
Traders and businesses who import or export goods to and from the UK will be able to use the Single Trade Window, as will customs intermediaries and agents, hauliers, carriers and other parties involved in the movement of goods across the UK border. We expect that the functionality delivered in the first release may particularly benefit small, infrequent and new traders.
Customers will still be able to meet their customs obligations using existing processes and systems whilst the Single Trade Window is being developed.
How to get involved
To deliver a successful Single Trade Window that meets user needs, we want to include border users in the design and testing of the service.
We want to hear from traders, intermediaries and agents, hauliers, fast parcel operators, express operators, software developers and carriers.
Testing the service
We are looking for volunteers to get involved with the private beta phase to test the service’s suitability for user needs. You can register your interest in taking part by emailing STWbcrteam@hmrc.gov.uk.
User research
We are always looking for volunteers to take part in the various user research opportunities that will help the programme learn about different user experiences and needs. You can register your interest in user research via our online portal.