Northern Ireland

iCDS is iCustoms’ AI-powered customs declaration software for NorthernIreland. It integrates directly with HMRC’s Customs Declaration Service (CDS) to allow businesses to submit accurate, compliant import and export declarations for NI in under 3 minutes, with 99% accuracy guaranteed — much faster and more reliable than manual alternatives like TSS.

No, using the Trader Support Service (TSS) is not mandatory. TSS is a free UK government portal that helps businesses submit customs paperwork. However, traders can instead use authorised customs software like iCustoms to file declarations directly with HMRC systems. This allows businesses to manage Northern Ireland shipments without relying on a separate government portal.

Most Northern Ireland customs declarations can be prepared and submitted within a few minutes using iCustoms. When shipment data and commodity codes are ready, AI-powered automated filings are typically completed in under 3 minutes. Traditional manual customs processes can take several hours due to paperwork and data entry. More complex consignments with multiple goods lines may require additional preparation time. Final clearance timing depends on customs authority checks rather than the filing software.

The Trader Support Service (TSS) is a UK government-backed service that helps businesses meet Northern Ireland customs requirements by submitting declarations on their behalf. iCustoms, in contrast, is advanced customs declaration software designed for logistics operators and high-volume traders needing faster processing and stronger digital integration. It offers an intuitive interface, batch filing, automated product classification, and duty calculation to simplify complex customs workflows. The platform integrates directly with HMRC’s Customs Declaration Service (CDS) and connects with TSS via API or EDI for automated data exchange. Dedicated client support and rapid response times make iCustoms more scalable for ongoing trade operations.

Yes. iCustoms connects directly to HMRC’s systems through authorised digital channels, allowing traders, freight forwarders, and carriers to legally submit Northern Ireland import and export declarations. The platform complies with UK customs technical and security requirements for electronic filing, including submissions to the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). iCustoms is recognised as an award-winning, trusted customs declaration software designed by trade experts to streamline compliance and accuracy. It is listed and referenced across reputable software directories as a customs and trade compliance solution integrated with HMRC CDS workflows. In addition, iCustoms offers ongoing client support and training to help businesses maintain compliant, efficient filings.

iCustoms supports all major Northern Ireland customs filing requirements:

1. Import Declarations – Full customs entries for goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain or non-UK countries.
2. Export Declarations – Required filings for goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain, the EU, or global destinations.
3. Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) – Pre-arrival safety and security filings that inform customs authorities about incoming shipments.
4. Supplementary Declarations – Follow-up filings that provide complete tariff, value, and duty details after initial shipment movement.
5. Special Procedures – Declarations for bonded storage, temporary imports, inward/outward processing, and other duty-suspension regimes.

Duty & VAT Validation – Automated checks to ensure correct commodity codes, preferential duty claims, and tax calculations.