The UK’s phased move to a new single customs platform began on 30 September 2022 – find out how you may be affected in our latest blog…
The CHIEF (Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight) system, which was, and is, used to make declarations to HMRC, is set to close and will be replaced by the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).
The switch will impact customs agents, freight forwarders and any business which currently makes its own declarations using the CHIEF system or uses an agent to submit a declaration on their behalf.
Action will need to be taken to ensure that importers and exporters can continue to make/view customs declarations made on their behalf online.
When will the CHIEF system close?
The phased closure of the CHIEF system will occur over the next six months:
- From 30 September 2022, the CHIEF system no longer accepts customs import declarations
- 31 March 2023 – the export customs declaration facility will close
Exporters will be able to continue using CHIEF for export declarations until the closure of the system on 31 March 2023.
How to subscribe to CDS
To use CDS, businesses are required to have the following:
- A Government Gateway account
- An Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number
- A Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
Find out more about subscription to CDS here.
Get in touch
The system switch from CHIEF to CDS promises to ensure a more seamless declaration process for all goods and is expected to offer reduced operational costs and administration in the long term. Businesses need to prepare now for the change to ensure they provide sufficient information for the new CDS declaration format, and any movement of goods can proceed as normal.
If you would like to discuss the move to the Customs Declaration Service in more detail or would like to discuss your particular situation in more detail, contact your usual PM+M adviser, or get in touch with Andrew Kirkaldy by clicking the button below.
