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Northern Ireland\u2019s unique post-Brexit trading position is about to experience its most significant technical change since the introduction of the Trader Support Service. On 28 June 2025<\/strong> HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will switch from the long-serving Automatic Licence Verification System (ALVS)<\/strong> to the European Union\u2019s Certificates Exchange System (CERTEX)<\/strong> for verifying import and export licences on customs declarations. Although the upgrade is largely invisible to the casual observer, it carries far-reaching consequences for every business that moves licensable goods through Northern Ireland\u2019s ports and airports. This in-depth article explains what CERTEX is, why it matters, how it works in practice and\u2014most critically\u2014what traders must do now to stay compliant and avoid costly disruption.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=””][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n CERTEX is the European Union\u2019s central digital platform for exchanging, storing and validating licences, permits and certificates that govern sensitive or high-risk goods. By integrating directly with EU and UK customs systems, CERTEX allows HMRC to check a declaration\u2019s licence data in real time, without manual intervention<\/strong>. The switch ensures Northern Ireland remains aligned with EU market-surveillance rules under the Windsor Framework, while giving businesses a single, harmonised channel for electronic licence verification. In short, CERTEX promises greater data accuracy, faster clearances and fewer physical inspections\u2014provided the data on each declaration is flawless<\/strong>.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=””][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n From 28 June 2025<\/strong> all Movement Reference Numbers (MRNs) that include licensable goods must pass through CERTEX. Declarations lodged on or after that moment will be rejected if they point to the old ALVS architecture or carry licence references that do not match the new CERTEX format. The rule applies to both imports and exports<\/strong> and covers entries submitted via CDS as well as those routed through the Trader Support Service. Early filing is no escape: any declaration that arrives in HMRC\u2019s risk engine before midnight but is amended after the cut-over must still conform to CERTEX.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=””][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Although the umbrella is broad, the majority of affected consignments cluster into a handful of high-profile licence types:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Traders handling dual-use items, cultural artefacts, controlled chemicals or certain waste shipments should also verify whether their authorisations are routed through CERTEX.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2574″ img_size=”full”][vc_text_separator title=””][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n The single most visible change is the Common Health Entry Document (CHED) reference<\/strong>. Under ALVS, formats varied by issuing authority; under CERTEX everyone must adopt a uniform 19-character string<\/strong> that looks like:<\/p>\n CHEDA.XI.2025.1234567<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A declaration that shows the old style\u2014perhaps a simple numeric code or an earlier \u2018GB\u2019 prefix\u2014will fail validation immediately<\/strong>. Customs software, freight-forwarder templates and in-house data lakes must therefore be patched so that staff cannot type the wrong pattern by mistake.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=””][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n CERTEX performs a strict, computer-level comparison<\/strong> between the licence and the declaration. Any mismatch\u2014however trivial\u2014triggers an automatic rejection or, worse, diverts the consignment to a Border Control Post for manual inspection. In practice, traders must align at least four critical data points every time:<\/p>\n Even one misplaced digit in a tariff code can halt the entry. Because CDS uses hierarchical commodity structures, traders must ensure they quote the full eight-digit (and, where requested, ten-digit) code authorised by the certificate-issuing body.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2576″ img_size=”full”][vc_text_separator title=””][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n HMRC has confirmed that express-parcel shipments declared under the UK Parcel Scheme are outside scope<\/strong> at launch. Similarly, goods moving under the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (NIRMS)<\/strong> or the UK Internal Market Scheme<\/strong> may use tailored procedures, although the licences themselves still need to obey the CERTEX data standard before they can be validated. Any business unsure of its classification should consult the official GOV.UK guidance or obtain a binding ruling from the Trader Support Service.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=””][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n When a declaration fails CERTEX validation, three outcomes are possible:<\/p>\n Rejected entries often incur port storage fees, demurrage charges, wasted driver hours and spoilage on perishable loads<\/strong>. The reputational impact can be worse: repeat offenders face enhanced scrutiny on every subsequent declaration.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=””][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2575″ img_size=”full”][vc_text_separator title=””][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”What is CERTEX for Northern Ireland customs declarations?”]<\/p>\n CERTEX is the EU\u2019s digital platform for verifying licences such as CHEDs, COIs, FGAS and ODS against import and export declarations. HMRC will route Northern Ireland entries through this system from 28 June 2025 to keep the region aligned with EU market-surveillance law.<\/p>\n [\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”When does CERTEX start for Northern Ireland?”]<\/p>\n The first live declarations must use CERTEX from 28 June 2025<\/strong>. Anything dated that day or later must carry licence references in the new format or it will be rejected.<\/p>\n [\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Which goods require CERTEX checks?”]<\/p>\n Any consignment that needs a CHED (live animals, animal products, high-risk food, plants), a Certificate of Organic Conformity, an ozone-depleting-substances licence or an FGAS permit must pass through CERTEX.<\/p>\n [\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”How do I get the new CHED code for Northern Ireland?”]<\/p>\n You receive it from the issuing authority\u2014usually DEFRA via TRACES NT\u2014once your CHED is approved. The code will follow the pattern CHEDx.XI.2025.1234567. You must paste that code, unchanged, into Data Element 2\/3 of your customs declaration.<\/p>\n [\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What happens if my declaration and licence data do not match?”]<\/p>\n HMRC\u2019s risk engine will reject the declaration instantly or route the truck to a Border Control Post. Your goods will be delayed and you may face storage charges or spoilage.<\/p>\n [\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Are express parcel shipments affected by CERTEX?”]<\/p>\n No. Entries declared under the UK Parcel Scheme are exempt for now, but consignors should still verify whether their products require licences under other schemes.<\/p>\n [\/vc_toggle][vc_text_separator title=””][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n CERTEX is more than a technical tweak; it signals a decisive move toward fully digital, pre-lodged risk assessment for licensable goods<\/strong> across the UK\/EU interface. For traders, that means:<\/p>\n Early adopters therefore stand to benefit from smoother supply chains, lower admin costs and a reputation for reliability in a post-Brexit trading environment where certainty is at a premium.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=””][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n The shift to CERTEX on 28 June 2025 is non-negotiable and non-trivial. Yet it need not be painful. By auditing licences, upgrading software and embedding meticulous data practices, businesses can turn an apparent regulatory hurdle into a springboard for smoother, more resilient trade. Ignore the deadline and the costs will be measured not only in demurrage invoices but in lost customers and damaged brand equity. Prepare now, and your consignments will glide through Northern Ireland\u2019s borders at the speed of a single, perfectly formatted code.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=””][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In a late-June announcement, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) confirmed that the previously planned roll-out of CERTEX<\/strong>\u2014the EU\u2019s Certificates Exchange System\u2014for Northern Ireland has been delayed indefinitely<\/strong>. Implementation will no longer take place on 28 June 2025<\/strong>, and no new start date has been specified<\/strong>\u2014a development that significantly shifts the readiness timeline for businesses handling controlled goods.<\/p>\n Industry bulletins suggest that the postponement stems from technical and operational readiness challenges within the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) and trader software systems. These problems made it difficult to ensure reliable validation of licence data\u2014such as CHED, COI, ODS, or FGAS references\u2014against the new format and stricter matching rules. With little notice, HMRC concluded that launching without full stability risked massive disruption at the border.<\/p>\n There is no requirement yet to switch to the new CHED reference format (CHEDA.XI.2025.1234567). Traders can continue using the current format (GBCHD2025.1234567) for now, though HMRC still encourages early adoption<\/strong> in anticipation of the eventual implementation. As the new CERTEX checks are not active, no system-generated messages<\/strong> related to licence validation will be issued. Use normal GVMS<\/strong> or other inventory systems as before.<\/p>\n Traders must continue using the old CHED format<\/strong> for declarations, regardless of whether they are pre-lodged after 28 June. In cases where new-format CHED references were already used, those declarations must be amended before arrival<\/strong> to avoid rejection, holds, or delays.<\/p>\n Although the delay gives short-term relief, it also adds uncertainty. Traders who prematurely adopt the new CHED format risk having their documents rejected by CDS when the system is not yet active. Conversely, delaying internal system updates too long will leave them vulnerable once CERTEX is finally launched.<\/p>\n HMRC has not provided a new timeline for roll-out. Industry guidance suggests that once technical issues are resolved<\/strong>, there will likely be a renewed notice period<\/strong>, followed by reactivation of the original transition plan:<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n We value your feedback, and if you have any comments, suggestions or anything else that you would like to highlight to us, we will be delighted to hear from you and incorporate your feedback into our content. <\/i><\/b><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Note: While we have made every attempt to ensure that the information contained in this Site has been obtained from reliable sources, Customs Declarations UK is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information in this Site is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Nothing herein shall to any extent substitute for the independent investigations and the sound technical and business judgment of the reader. In no event will Customs Declarations UK, or its partners, employees or agents, be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this Site or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. Certain links in this Site connect to other Web Sites maintained by third parties over whom Customs Declarations UK has no control. Customs Declarations UK makes no representations as to the accuracy or any other aspect of information contained in other Web Sites. [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Northern Ireland\u2019s unique post-Brexit trading position is about to experience its most significant technical change since the introduction of the Trader Support Service. On 28 June 2025 HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will switch from the long-serving Automatic Licence Verification System (ALVS) to the European Union\u2019s Certificates Exchange System (CERTEX) for verifying import and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2573,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[17,18],"tags":[364,357,360,366,363,358,362,359,365,361],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\t\nWhat exactly is CERTEX and why is HMRC adopting it?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
When does CERTEX become mandatory?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Which goods and certificates fall under CERTEX checks?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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The new CHED reference: small code, big consequences<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Data elements that must match word-for-word<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Who is exempt and under which special schemes?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Operational consequences of getting it wrong<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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A six-step roadmap to CERTEX readiness<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Strategic considerations beyond June 2025<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Update: CERTEX Implementation Delayed \u2013 What You Need to Know<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n
Why Was CERTEX Delayed?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What Does This Mean for Traders?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
1. Moving Goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland<\/strong><\/h3>\n
2. Moving Goods from the Rest of the World to Northern Ireland<\/strong><\/h5>\n
3. What Should Traders Do Now?<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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Why Immediate Action Matters<\/strong><\/h3>\nLooking Ahead<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Traders should stay alert for formal guidance through GOV.UK<\/strong>, the Trader Support Service<\/strong>, or software vendor updates. Early preparations\u2014such as tracking licence formats and data consistency\u2014remain essential.<\/span><\/p>\n
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