7 Reasons Importers and Exporters Should Consider Self-Declaring Customs Entries

4 August 2026
Tracey Renshaw
CDS (Customs Declaration System) CHIEF replacement, Compliance, Customs Classification, Customs Compliance, HMRC Updates

Many businesses outsource customs declarations to Customs Intermediaries (CI) such as freight forwarders and customs brokers – but is this the best option for your company? If you outsource, your reasons may include convenience, time-savings and risk management however more importers and exporters are starting to ask whether self-declaring customs entries could offer greater control, improved compliance and long-term cost savings.

While self-declaration isn’t the right solution for every business, it can be a viable option for companies with regular imports or exports, particularly as customs requirements continue to evolve.

Here’s why it’s worth considering, and what you need to know:

1. Stay in Control of Your Customs Compliance

Even if you outsource, the legal responsibility for a customs declaration sits with the importer or exporter, not the customs intermediary (CI). If your freight forwarder submits declarations on your behalf, HMRC expects you to ensure the information provided and submitted is accurate.

By self-declaring, you have complete visibility of:

Commodity classifications
Customs valuation
Origin declarations
Customs procedures
Duty and VAT calculations

This puts you in control, with fewer data touchpoints and assumptions you will have increased confidence that your declarations accurately reflect your business transactions.

2. Develop Valuable In-House Expertise

Customs compliance is complex. Rules and regulations surrounding origin, valuation, tariff classification, customs authorisations and free trade agreements continue to change. Choosing internal customs knowledge for your business means you’re less reliant on external providers and better equipped to make informed commercial decisions.

Internal expertise can also benefit cross-functional teams such as purchasing, finance, logistics and sales teams across the organisation.

3. Reduce Long-Term Costs

It is common for a CI to charge declaration fees, clearance charges, and administration fees on every shipment – while those costs may seem relatively small individually, they can quickly add up for businesses importing or exporting on a regular basis.

Self-declaration requires an initial investment in software, training and internal processes, but for businesses with high shipment volumes it can be a more cost-effective solution over time.

4. Improve the Quality of Your Data

Your customs declaration is only as good as the information provided.

When declarations are completed internally, businesses can use a single, consistent data source to populate customs entries, often with limited IT support. Drawing directly from commercial documents such as product records, sales orders and purchase data reduces reliance on information being passed between multiple parties. This lowers the risk of human error, mistyping and duplication, while reducing the number of data touchpoints and checks required.

Self-declaring using your companies date will improve:

Data accuracy
Internal record keeping
Audit readiness
Reporting and analysis

Better customs data also supports wider supply chain decision-making, helping teams use their improved knowledge and understanding to identify further operational and commercial benefits.

5. Resolve Issues Faster

Anyone who has dealt with customs queries knows how frustrating delays can be – when you submit your own declarations, you have instant access to the data and can respond directly to HMRC if questions or delays arise.

This removes the need to request and wait for information to pass between freight forwarders, agents and internal teams – which often leads to quicker issue resolution and fewer delays at the border.

6. Strengthen Your Customs Governance

Good customs governance isn’t simply about submitting good declarations. It involves having documented processes, clearly defined responsibilities, robust controls and regular reviews of compliance. Businesses that self-declare often develop stronger governance because customs is an integral part of their internal compliance framework rather than an outsourced activity.

This can be particularly valuable during an HMRC audit and when your business applies for customs authorisations.

7. Prepared for Future Changes

HMRC continues to place increasing emphasis on customs compliance and professional standards. Recent initiatives such as PAS 41201 and the consultation on mandatory registration for customs intermediaries are showing constant change and process improvements.

Businesses with a strong understanding of their own customs processes are generally better placed to adapt to regulatory change and respond quickly when new requirements are introduced.

Why Self-Declaration Is Worth Considering

Self-declaring customs entries can offer importers and exporters greater control, stronger compliance and potentially long-term cost savings compared with relying solely on customs intermediaries (CI).

While outsourcing remains the right choice for some businesses, self-declaration enables some companies to take ownership of their customs obligations, build valuable in-house expertise, improve data accuracy, strengthen governance and respond more quickly to customs queries. For businesses with regular import or export activity, investing in the right systems, training and processes can provide lasting benefits and better prepare them for an increasingly complex and evolving customs landscape.

Barriers to Self-Declaration

In practice, many fast parcel and express carriers, including FedEx, TNT, DHL, UPS and similar providers, may not offer self-declaration as an option. Instead, they often complete the customs declaration on the importer’s behalf as part of their standard operating procedures. Other carriers may be more willing to accommodate self-declaration, so carrier choice and shipment process can influence whether self-declaring is practical. For this reason, many businesses adopt a hybrid approach, self-declaring where it is supported while relying on carrier-managed declarations for express or parcel shipments.

Looking Ahead

Thinking about self-declaring but unsure what’s required? In our next post, Customs Self-Declaration Guide: What Your Business Needs Before You Start, you’ll learn about the key requirements, including the systems, software, authorisations, training and internal processes you’ll need before you start submitting your own customs declarations.

Whether you’re exploring the idea or ready to make the transition, it’s the perfect place to begin. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.