About

Trade technology and customs expertise, part of SGS

SGS E-CUSTOMS combines customs software with managed trade services — delivering the technology, expertise and operational support that modern trade requires.

ISO 9001 Certified Cyber Essentials Plus BIFA Member BCC Partner HMRC Authorised SGS Group

How We Work

Our approach

We believe customs and trade operations should work for your business — not the other way around. That means providing technology where you want control, expert support where you need it, and the flexibility to combine both.

Our customs software platform and managed services are designed for practical trade operations. Whether you process customs declarations in-house, rely on managed specialists, or use a combination, we provide the tools and support to keep your trade moving.

We serve importers, exporters, freight forwarders, manufacturers, chambers of commerce and specialist operators across a range of industries — bringing the same commitment to accuracy, compliance and operational reliability to every engagement.

Our Commitment

Why trust matters

Customs and trade compliance are not areas where shortcuts are acceptable. Errors in declarations, documentation or regulatory processes can have serious financial and operational consequences.

That's why our service is built on tested systems, experienced people, formal certifications and continuous professional development. We invest in the infrastructure and expertise that gives our clients confidence in every customs entry, transit movement and certified document we process.

As part of the SGS group — the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company — we bring the global reach and established credibility of an international group to every customs and trade engagement.

Credentials

Recognised standards and industry partnerships

HMRC Authorised

Tested and approved connectivity to HMRC customs systems including CDS, CHIEF, and GVMS.

ISO 9001 & ISO 45001

Certified quality management and occupational health and safety standards.

Cyber Essentials Plus

UK Government-backed cyber security certification for robust data protection.

BIFA Member

Member of the British International Freight Association.

AFSS Member

Association of Freight Software Suppliers membership.

BCC Partner

Partnership with British Chambers of Commerce for trade documentation services.

SGS Group

Part of the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company.

UK Customs Academy

Specialist customs training and professional development programmes.

History

Helping UK entities ship goods since 1986

1986

i2i Founded

Initially founded as 'Laser Logic', using a Xerox-based template system to provide a degree of automation for the production of export documentation.

1987

X-Form Developed

X-Form - a DOS-based software program, was developed. The X-Form could be used standalone or receive data files from business systems, using saved/static data to produce a wide range of export documentation.

1997

GTA Connect

The logical progression from a DOS-based system was a Windows-based system and 'GTA Connect' was therefore developed.

1999

eCert Launched

In partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce and Bristol Chamber, i2i developed the first electronic and online platform for certification of origin documents (CoOs) in the world.

2002

GTA Goes Online

i2i is the first company in the UK global trade/shipping sector to offer its products online as SaaS (Software as a Service).

2004

Online Customs Declarations

Following HMRC's launch of the CHIEF service in 2003, we integrated customs services into the GTA product suite.

2018

Origin Blockchain

i2i partnered with the Bristol Chamber of Commerce to create an immutable origin certification record on the blockchain.

2019

i2i is acquired by SGS

i2i became part of the world's largest testing, inspection and certification company.

2021

First Inventory-Linked Import

SGS was the first supplier to send an inventory-linked import declaration on CDS.

2023

First Inventory-Linked Export

SGS was the first supplier to send an inventory-linked export declaration on CDS.

Part of the SGS Group

SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company — operating in over 140 countries with more than 99,000 employees. Our customs and trade facilitation services carry the strength, credibility and global reach of the SGS name.

Get in Touch