Publicly Available Specification (PAS 41201:2026) has been published by the British Standards Institute (BSI) to support effective and transparent relationships between traders and customs intermediaries.
PAS 41201:2026 is designed for organisations that act as customs intermediaries and are responsible for preparing and submitting customs declarations or providing related customs services on behalf of traders. This includes: customs brokers, agents and advisers, fast parcel operators (FPOs), freight forwarders, warehouse operators and hauliers.
It sets out the core principles and behaviours that customs intermediaries should follow when fulfilling customs declarations and carrying out closely related services (such as paying tariffs or duties, or arranging the movement of goods).
PAS 41201:2026 is available here, but requires the provision of contact details.
The publication has been welcomed by the British International Freight Association (BIFA) with its Director General, Steve Parker, saying: “As customs requirements continue to evolve, it is essential that traders and customs intermediaries have a clear understanding of their respective roles, responsibilities and obligations.”
By setting out clear expectations, he added, it aims to reduce misunderstandings, improve data quality and strengthen compliance across the supply chain.
This BSI states that using PAS 41201:2026 will support customs intermediaries in demonstrating a consistent, reliable and professional level of service. Key clauses cover auditing, due diligence, crisis response, training, systems, process and data, and transparency.
