How to Use TRE Data for Duty Recovery and C285 Reclaims

BorderAudit has recovered GBP 4.7 million in overpaid customs duty for UK importers. Every recovery started with TRE data from HMRC.

How TRE Data Reveals Duty Overpayments

HMRC’s Trade Tariff Real Time (TRE) data contains every declaration line filed under your EORI. Systematic analysis of this dataset reveals:

• Classification errors – misclassified commodity codes attracting higher duty
• Missed trade preferences – declarations not using available FTAs or preference codes
• Valuation overstatements – incorrect customs value, additions, or charges
• Unclaimed reliefs – reliefs and suspensions not applied at the time of import

Each of these issues represents recoverable customs duty when correctly evidenced and presented to HMRC.

The C285 Reclaim Process Step by Step

1. Identify the overpayment in TRE data

Filter and analyse TRE declaration lines to pinpoint where duty was overpaid.

1. Quantify the duty difference

Recalculate the correct duty using the right code, value, origin, or relief and compare it to the duty originally paid.

1. Gather supporting evidence

Collect commercial documents and technical evidence to support the corrected position.

1. Complete the C285 form

Populate the C285 with the declaration details, corrected calculation, and basis of claim.

1. Submit to HMRC

File the C285 reclaim with all supporting documentation attached or referenced.

1. Track the outcome

Monitor HMRC queries, respond with clarifications, and confirm receipt of repayments.

Because of the 3-year lookback window, overpayments from up to three years ago remain recoverable if identified and claimed in time.

Building Evidence Packs from TRE Data

Strong C285 claims depend on robust, consistent evidence. A typical evidence pack includes:

• Declaration data – extracted from TRE, showing the original entry details
• Commercial invoices & contracts – supporting the customs value and transaction terms
• Origin documentation – supplier declarations, certificates of origin, or long-term statements
• Classification workings – tariff analysis, product descriptions, and technical specifications

TRE provides the declaration-side evidence: MRNs, line items, codes, values, and duty paid. BorderAudit uses this data to auto-generate C285 packs that bundle:

• Relevant TRE lines
• Recalculated duty workings
• Document checklists and references

This reduces manual effort and ensures each claim is backed by complete, consistent documentation.

What Makes a Strong C285 Claim

HMRC is more likely to accept a claim first time when it shows:

• Clear identification of the error – what was wrong on the original declaration and why
• Quantified duty difference – precise calculation of overpaid duty per declaration line
• Complete supporting documentation – all evidence needed to verify the corrected position
• Consistent methodology – the same logic applied across all affected entries

BorderAudit’s structured approach to TRE analysis and evidence building delivers a 91% first-time HMRC acceptance rate.

The 3-Year Lookback Window

HMRC allows duty reclaims for up to 3 years from the date of the original declaration. This means:

• Overpayments within that period can be recovered via C285
• Every month you delay, another month of declarations falls out of scope
• TRE data provides full visibility across this entire 3-year window

Acting quickly ensures you capture the maximum recoverable duty before entries expire.

How BorderAudit Automates Duty Recovery

BorderAudit turns TRE data into a repeatable, automated duty recovery process:

1. Connect Government Gateway

Securely link your HMRC account so TRE data can be accessed.

1. Automated TRE retrieval

Pull all declaration lines under your EORI for the full 3-year window.

1. 100+ compliance checks

Run automated rules to detect misclassification, missed preferences, valuation issues, and unclaimed reliefs.

1. C285 packs auto-generated

Produce ready-to-submit C285 claim packs with TRE extracts, calculations, and document references.

1. High acceptance, contingent pricing

With a 91% acceptance rate and GBP 4.7M recovered to date, BorderAudit operates on 100% contingent pricing – you pay only when recovery is achieved.

By leveraging TRE data systematically, UK importers can convert historic customs errors into cash recoveries while improving ongoing compliance.