Businesses importing goods only have a matter of weeks left to
move across to the UK’s new streamlined customs system.
Import declarations must be submitted through the new Customs
Declaration Service from 1 October this year when it takes over
from the Customs Handling Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system
for import declarations.
HMRC is writing to
all declarants and traders affected by the change to urge them to
access the help available now and move to the Customs Declaration
Service.
Businesses with customs agents should check they are ready to use
the Customs Declaration Service. Those without a customs agent
must set themselves up to make their own declarations using
software that works with the system.
Julie Etheridge, HMRC’s Director of Programme and
Operational Delivery for Borders and Trade said:
There is only a month left until businesses must use Customs
Declaration Service for imports. Businesses who are still waiting
to move need to start the process now or face possible disruption
to their business.
Those concerned about moving across to the Customs Declaration
Service should work with a customs agent who is ready
to use the system and can make declarations on their behalf.
The Customs Declaration Service was launched in 2018 and import
declarations when moving goods into the UK have been made through
it since then. The service will replace the 30-year-old
CHIEF system,
representing a significant upgrade by providing businesses with a
more user-friendly, streamlined system which offers greater
functionality.
This marks the first step towards the government’s vision of a
Single Trade Window, which will have considerable benefits for
businesses through reduced form-filling, better data use across
government and a smoother experience for users.
To help all businesses and agents prepare for the Customs
Declaration Service, declarants are being contacted by phone and
email to inform them of steps they need to take. Further
information is available on GOV.UK, including a Customs Declaration
Service toolkit and checklists, which break down the steps
traders need to take. Traders can also register or check they
have access to the Customs
Declaration Service on GOV.UK and access live customer support
services for additional help.
There is more information about using the Customs Declaration
Service on GOV.UK.
Further information
Businesses who make import declarations from inventory linked
ports should use Community System Providers systems. You can find
updated guidance to ensure imported good are not delayed at
ports.
CHIEF will
close for export declarations on 31 March 2023, with businesses
being required to use the Customs Declaration Service to send
goods out of the UK.
