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This update was written and shared by HMRC. There is more information to help you prepare for the Customs Declaration Service on GOV.UK, including a Customs Declaration Service toolkit and checklists. The checklists break down the steps you need to take, whether you make your own declarations or someone does this on your behalf.
Businesses should now move to the Customs Declaration Service
HMRC are contacting traders to advise them to acting now to move to the Customs Declaration Service. This applies if you make your own declarations or if someone submits import and export declarations on your behalf. You may not be able to continue trading if you do not move to the Customs Declaration Service in time.
After 30 September 2022 the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system will close for import declarations, and these will need to be made on the Customs Declaration Service. The ability to make export declarations will end and the CHIEF service will close on 31 March 2023.
Businesses must make sure they have a customs agent who is ready to make their import declarations on the Customs Declaration Service or set themselves up to make their own declarations by the 30 September deadline.
If you make declarations yourself
It takes time to move across onto the Customs Declaration Service depending on the size and nature of the business. You should act now to ensure you can continue trading once CHIEF closes.
We’ve designed a free Trader Dress Rehearsal service so businesses can practise making declarations on the Customs Declaration Service.
If you make declarations on behalf of others
You need to contact the businesses you make declarations on behalf of to ensure they can give you access to their Customs Declaration Service account. You also need to tell them what additional information you need from them, in order to make declarations on their behalf.
Where you can get more support
There is more information to help you prepare for the Customs Declaration Service on GOV.UK, including a Customs Declaration Service toolkit and checklists. The checklists break down the steps you need to take, whether you make your own declarations or someone does this on your behalf.
We have a range of webinars and YouTube videos on importing and exporting with the EU that you can watch by going to our help and support for UK transition page.
If you export to the EU, the government Export Support Service is a free service giving you access to online and phone support. You can find more information online or by calling 0300 303 8955 where you will be put in touch with a member of the dedicated export support team.
Give HMRC a call
Their customer service advisers are available to answer your queries on the Customs and International Trade (CIT) helpline. They’ll help you with importing, exporting and customs reliefs. The helpline is available from 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 4pm at weekends.
If you need urgent help with goods at the border outside of these hours, the helpline will divert your call to 24/7 support – choose option one on the helpline menu.
They'll continue to provide guidance and support to help you and your business, including information on GOV.UK, their recorded webinars and emails.
