From HMRC
Customs Declaration Service - the UK’s single customs platform
International trade in goods is worth over £800 billion to the UK economy each year.
Currently, we identify goods for checks at the border using two platforms - the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system and the Customs Declaration Service.
Both platforms allow importers, exporters and intermediaries to complete customs declarations, but from 31 March 2023, we will formally close the CHIEF system. The Customs Declaration Service will serve as the UK’s single customs platform - all businesses will need to declare goods through the Customs Declaration Service from this date.
Ahead of the closure, HMRC will withdraw CHIEF services in two stages:
- 30 September 2022: new import declarations close on CHIEF
- 31 March 2023: new export declarations close on CHIEF / National Exports System
Why CHIEF is closing
We want our border IT systems to be fit for the future, creating an environment where businesses can thrive and take advantage of free trade agreements. CHIEF has served the UK well, but it is nearly 30 years old and cannot match the technology that the Customs Declaration Service offers.
Founded on world-leading innovation, the Customs Declaration Service has been developed over several years in consultation with the border industry. It is a secure, flexible platform that is already performing well. It is currently used for both Northern Ireland declarations and Rest of World movements and has processed more than one million import declarations since August 2018.
It is fully compliant with Northern Ireland Protocol obligations and can handle all declaration types – ultimately, making it easier for businesses to trade and grow. It operates the full UK Trade Tariff, which CHIEF cannot do. These advantages make the Customs Declaration Service critical to the long-term flow of trade, with the flexibility to accommodate future improvements to imports and exports.
Ultimately, moving to one system is more efficient than running two platforms, as we are currently doing. Operating one, single system will clarify processes for traders, free-up money for vital public services, and save money for the taxpayer.
With further functionality enhancements scheduled and live customer support services available, now is the time to start your Customs Declaration Service preparations for all goods movements.
Key changes
The Customs Declaration Service offers several new services, alongside existing services, all in one place. If you currently use CHIEF for your declarations, you’ll find that the Customs Declaration Service captures some information differently and the way you input data is different. Primarily, this affects how you use the Trade Tariff and make finance payments.
Tariff changes and impacts
The Trade Tariff helps you find out which forms, codes and procedures to use when importing or exporting goods.
Your Customs Declaration Service submissions will include information from eight data element groups. You may need to complete additional information required by certain data elements and understand that the data can be different to that required by CHIEF.
The eight data element groups
- Message information
- References
- Parties
- Value
- Shipping details
- Goods identification
- Transport information
- Other
Trade Tariff information
The Trade Tariff for customs declarations using the Customs Declaration Service is the UK Trade Tariff: Volume 3 for the Customs Declaration Service (now known as the ‘Declaration, Completion, Instructions and Rules’ document).
You can also use the UK Trade Tariff tool to search for import and export commodity codes as well as the tax, duty and licenses that apply to your goods.