HMRC has issued a reminder to UK businesses to move to the new Customs Declaration Service before it expires, whether you make your own declarations or use an intermediary.

The Customs Declaration Service replaces the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF).

CHIEF will close in two phases:

• Phase one: after 30 September 2022, the ability to make import declarations will end.
• Phase two: after 31 March 2023, the ability to make export declarations will end.

If you use an intermediary to submit customs declarations for you

You need to find out if they’re still using CHIEF. If they are, you should follow the steps in the Trader Checklist to make sure they can move your declarations to the Customs Declaration Service before CHIEF closes.

Go to GOV.UK and search ‘Customs Declaration Service communication pack’.

You need to do this now as it can take time to complete the move, or you may not be able to continue trading once CHIEF closes.

If you make declarations yourself

CHIEF will close for import declarations in a few months’ time. After 30 September 2022, you’ll only be able to make import declarations using the Customs Declaration Service.

It can take time for businesses to complete the move so you need to start moving as soon as possible or you may not be able to continue trading once CHIEF closes.

Useful links

Businesses and agents can prepare with 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.

Lots of businesses use a customs agent to make declarations on their behalf. If businesses want to hire one, they can find a list of customs agents on GOV.UK. This list is regularly updated to show which agents are ready to use the Customs Declaration Service.

UKFT EXPORT