Permanent Closure of the Flexible Accounting System (FAS)

BY:

Niamh O'Connor
27 August 2024

SHARE:

HMRC announced the permanent closing of the Flexible Accounting System (FAS) on October 23rd, 2024. All electronic import declarations are now processed through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). The Customs Declaration Service (CDS) does not support FAS and instead offers importers the option to use cash accounts to manage their import duties and taxes.

The Flexible Accounting System (FAS) was a key tool for UK businesses involved in importing goods. It allowed them to manage and defer the payment of customs duties, VAT, and other related charges. Designed to streamline the import process for those traders who did not hold a Duty Deferment Account, the FAS enabled companies to consolidate multiple payments into a more manageable transaction.



https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flexible-accounting-system-for-imports-customs-notice-100?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications-topic&utm_source=8354a692-1c65-4c73-9d05-cbc36a33d3a9&utm_content=immediately


OneCall™ Email assistance as and when required; A one-call solution for all your import, export and customs enquiries. Export help. Import help. Customs help.

Stay informed about customs and international trade matters by subscribing to our OneCall™ service. This comprehensive offering includes a dedicated email helpline for support, timely practical updates direct to your inbox (Did You Know?), monthly UK Customs & Trade Briefings and access to an interactive members' area with an exclusive community for our subscribers.

Subscribe Today ➝

International Trade Updates & Spotlight Newsletter

Subscribe to our free information emails covering international trade topics...

Subscribe to our newsletter ➝

MORE INDUSTRY INSIGHTS...

by Tim Hiscock 21 January 2026
The UK launched the Modern Industrial Strategy in 2025, which aims to boost exporters by focusing on eight key growth sectors (such as Digital, Clean Energy, and Life Sciences) through targeted support, simplified regulations, improved infrastructure, and global partnerships.
by Lucille Roche 20 January 2026
HMRC has now published guidance on completing and authenticating preferential origin declarations for the UK-India Free Trade Agreement. You can register with HMRC ahead of the UK-India Trade Agreement coming into force if you intend to complete origin declarations under this Free Trade Agreement.
by Steve Berry 13 January 2026
Notice to Exporters communications totalled 34 in 2025, covering a variety of topics. Popular subjects for last year’s announcements included changes to UK Open General Export Licences (OGELs). The AUKUS licence for Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States was subject to specific notices. Also, the UK’s san
Show More