iCustoms
London-based AI customs declaration platform with HMRC recognition, claiming 99% accuracy and 50% cost reduction for trade compliance automation.
Overview
Founded by a former HMRC member, iCustoms secured $2.2 million in seed funding in March 2024 led by Fuel Ventures. The London-based company operates HMRC-recognized customs declaration software that automates manual paperwork processes for traders, brokers, and customs agents.
The leadership team includes CEO Adnan Zaheer (former PwC and Smart Pension) and former HMRC CIO Mark Denney, providing regulatory expertise for their AI-driven approach. Zaheer emphasizes: "Our AI platform eliminates tedious manual tasks, streamlines customs processes, and ensures complete compliance."
The platform processes declarations in 3 minutes with claimed 99% accuracy and reports 50% reductions in both time and costs for customs clearance procedures. Direct UK CDS integration connects to HMRC systems for automated import/export declaration submission.
Key Features
- AI-Powered Document Processing: Extracts data from commercial invoices, receipts, and bills of lading using OCR
- HMRC CDS Integration: Direct connectivity to UK Customs Declaration Service with 3-minute processing
- Automated HS Code Classification: AI-driven classification and tariff determination
- Multi-Module Platform: iZap, iNCTS, iENS, iAIS/iAES, iCalculator, iTariff modules
- Brexit Compliance: Post-Brexit UK customs requirements automation
- Exception Handling: Automated workflows route flagged items to compliance teams
Use Cases
High-Volume Customs Broker Operations
Customs brokers deploy iCustoms to automate declaration preparation across multiple client accounts. The platform ingests commercial invoices via email or API, extracts product data, and pre-fills CDS forms with AI-suggested HS codes. Brokers review exceptions while standard declarations process automatically through HMRC systems.
Freight Forwarder Compliance Automation
3PLs use the platform to validate documentation completeness, calculate duties and VAT, and maintain audit trails. Real-time CDS connectivity provides immediate feedback on declaration status, routing exceptions to compliance teams while processing standard shipments touchlessly.
E-Commerce Cross-Border Integration
Online retailers connect iCustoms APIs to order management systems for automated UK customs clearance. Product catalogs map to HS codes, order details flow to declaration forms, and duty estimates display at checkout, reducing delivery delays for international orders.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Core Technology | AI, OCR, intelligent document processing |
| Processing Speed | 3 minutes per declaration |
| Claimed Accuracy | 99% |
| Cost/Time Reduction | 50% reduction in both metrics |
| HMRC Integration | Direct CDS connectivity |
| Input Documents | Commercial invoices, receipts, bills of lading |
| Modules | iDP, iZap, iClassification, iNCTS, iENS, iAIS/iAES, iCalculator, iTariff |
| Deployment | Cloud-based SaaS |
Resources
Company Information
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Address: 1 Concord Business Centre, London W3 0TJ
CEO: Adnan Zaheer (former PwC, Smart Pension)
Leadership: Mark Denney (former HMRC CIO)
Funding: $2.2M seed round (March 2024) - Fuel Ventures, PlugnPlay, Outrun Ventures, Montblu Capital, SyndicateRoom
Target Market: International trade businesses requiring UK customs compliance