Guidance for Freedom of Information (FOI) requests
This section is Help and support
If you are thinking of submitting a FOI request to HMRC relating to the UK imports and exports data that we collect and publish, you should consider the following guidance before making your request.
Accessing published data
If the information you’re looking for is already publicly available, we will direct you to the relevant pages on UK Trade Info, where you can access:
- customisable trade tables providing data on value, net mass, supplementary units, country of dispatch and port
- bulk datasets for more detailed including country of origin and mode of transport
Information about individuals or businesses
We cannot release data relating to the imports or exports of specific individuals or businesses, as taxpayer confidentiality is protected in law.
Limited public information is available through the Find UK traders service.
Commodity codes
Trade data is categorised using commodity codes from the UK Tariff.
When enquiring about specific goods, please include the correct commodity code. Without it, we may need to ask for more information to understand your request.
Data suppression
Data may be suppressed if releasing it could risk identifying an individual or business.
Further information is provided in our Suppressions policy and Information Disclosure guidance.
Limits on data provision
HMRC is restricted in the volume of data we can extract and provide.
Under section 12 of the FOIA, we may refuse requests requiring work that exceeds the statutory cost limit, which is currently 24 staff hours.
Border and seizure data
Requests relating to physical border checks or seizures should be directed to Border Force, as HMRC does not hold this information.
Data availablity
Trade data is derived from customs declarations. Processing and validation mean that publication typically occurs 6 to 8 weeks after the reference month.
Publication dates are available on the release calendar. We are unable to release any data before its publication date.
Submitting a FOI request
Requests made under the Freedom of Information Act should be sent to:
HMRC FOI Act Team
S1727
Eighth Floor
Central Mail Unit
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE98 1ZZ
Email: foi.request@hmrc.gov.uk