In December 2023, the government committed to working with the British Standards Institution to develop a customs intermediaries standard. The standard was launched on 2 June 2026 (PAS 41201:2026). HMRC has published guidance explaining what the standard is and what it means for customs intermediaries and traders.

Purpose  

HMRC says that the aim of the standard is “to improve quality and consistency of services provided by the customs intermediary sector and to help traders make more informed choices when selecting an intermediary”. Publication of the standard is said to represent “the first time best practice for customs intermediaries has been formally set out”. 

Areas covered by the standard include: 

• transparency of service offerings;
• continued professional development; and
• due diligence. 

Status 

Compliance with the standard is voluntary. HMRC hopes that customs intermediaries will review their existing processes against the standard, making changes where required. Importers and exporters are “are encouraged to review the standard so they understand what they can expect from a customs intermediary”.  

HMRC’s guidance makes it clear that the standard does not replace Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) or any other authorisations.  

Next steps 

The government intends to launch a certification scheme to “set out how compliance with the standard can be evidenced, including what checks are required to demonstrate that an intermediary meets the requirements”.  

Although HMRC will work with external bodies to develop certification, it will be delivered by bodies independent of HMRC. Once available, certification will be voluntary.