Customs Declaration Service

Are you ready for the change from CHIEF to CDS?

HMRC has announced that it is migrating away from its CHIEF (Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight) system to CDS, the Customs Declaration Service.

HMRC has advised that the CHIEF system is no longer fit for purpose.

HMRC’s closure of CHIEF is planned in two stages;

Stage 1: 30th September 2022 – Import declarations to close on CHIEF

Stage 2: 31st March 2023 – Export declarations to close on CHIEF

In its place, the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) will serve as the UK’s single customs platform, with all businesses needing to declare goods through CDS after 31 March 2023.

Time to prepare - next steps

EORI

You must have a valid EORI registration.

Deferment account

If you have a deferment account, a new direct debit will need to be created with HMRC for use with CDS.

Customs Comprehensive Guarantee number

A Customs Comprehensive Guarantee number is required on all declarations when a deferment account is being used, if you have a deferment account, we will need your CCG number to update our records.

Customs Comprehensive Guarantee

CCG will also be required for Special Authorisations and Procedures, for example CFSP, inward processing relief. Special Authorisation and Procedures will also have a CDS speciﬁc authorization number.

Useful resources & guides:

HMRC’s Customs Declaration Service communication pack – visit

HMRC's "how to videos"

How to subscribe to the Customer Declaration Service

How to use the secure file upload service on the Customs Declaration Service

How to set up a standing authority on the Customs Declaration Service

How to set up a Direct Debit instruction on the Customer Declaration Service

We are here for you!

As your international freight management expert we are here to support in making the transition from CHIEF to CDS as seamless as possible.