TSS Reference

A TSS reference (Trader Support Service reference) is a unique identifier issued to traders who move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It's used to process customs declarations under the Northern Ireland Protocol, ensuring shipments comply with post-Brexit requirements and move smoothly across the Irish Sea without unnecessary delays.

The Trader Support Service (TSS) is a free UK Government service that helps businesses manage customs declarations for goods entering or leaving Northern Ireland. Acting as an intermediary between traders and HMRC, it submits import and export documentation on your behalf and ensures your shipments meet Northern Ireland Protocol regulations.

You'll need a TSS reference if you send goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland or receive goods into Northern Ireland. Any business involved in such movements must be registered with TSS to complete the necessary customs paperwork. Without a valid reference, goods may be delayed or stopped at the border.

The TSS reference links your shipment to customs declarations made via the Trader Support Service. It ensures that HMRC can verify and clear your goods correctly. Without it, your goods may be delayed, held at customs, or subject to incorrect duty or VAT charges. Having a TSS reference keeps your GB-NI trade compliant and efficient.

Yes. To apply for a TSS reference, your business must hold a valid XI EORI number — this identifies traders operating under Northern Ireland customs procedures. If you don't already have one, you can apply for free on GOV.UK before registering for the Trader Support Service.

You can register online through the official GOV.UK Trader Support Service portal. The process is free and only takes a few minutes. Once your application is approved, you'll receive a TSS reference number linked to your XI EORI, which you can then use for all GB-NI customs declarations.

You'll need your business name, contact details, XI EORI number, and basic information about the goods you trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The registration process is straightforward, and the TSS system will guide you through setting up your business profile.

If you attempt to ship goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland without a valid TSS reference, your shipment may be delayed or rejected by customs. Declarations cannot be processed, and carriers may hold goods until the proper registration is completed. Always ensure your TSS reference is active before dispatch.

Yes. The Trader Support Service is completely free, funded by the UK Government to assist businesses affected by the Northern Ireland Protocol. There are no registration or usage fees, making it the simplest way to manage GB-NI customs declarations at no additional cost.

You can register for the Trader Support Service and access full guidance on GOV.UK. The website provides step-by-step instructions, training materials, and updates on how customs procedures apply to movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.