Exports: Customs
The question
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions her Department has had with HM Revenue and Customs on simplifying customs processes for low-volume exporters.
Answered by Treasury
The Government is committed to minimising administrative burdens and frictions experienced by all businesses trading internationally and has engaged with key stakeholders to better understand their needs for the future operation of the UK border.
HMRC provides clear guidance and direct support to help businesses navigate export processes, whilst applying risk-based checks to minimise disruption for legitimate trade. The make and manage an export declaration online service (Make and manage an export declaration online - GOV.UK) has been designed to support smaller exporters to make export declarations directly to HMRC’s Customs Declaration Service without the need for specialist software. HMRC works closely with Border Force and industry partners to improve processes and offer training and tools to support compliance.
In June 2026, HMRC published a call for evidence to capture industry views on modernising and evolving the customs regime to ensure it provides the best support for exporters and international trade to meet the needs of a modern, digital economy. Where exporters choose to use intermediaries, HMRC has also announced steps to raise standards across the sector to support businesses in navigating customs processes. For further information, please visit: Tax update 2026: simplification, modernisation and fairness summary - GOV.UK.
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