Businesses who import into the UK currently use Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) to declare goods.

There is also a separate scheme running concurrently, known as Customs Declaration Service (CDS).

From 1 October 2022 CHIEF will cease and importers must use CDS.

Exports

CHIEF is also currently used for exports and this will continue to a later date of: 31 March 2023.

Action

This change will significantly affect all businesses which import goods. Although it is likely that import agents will handle the majority of issues, an importer will be required to:

• subscribe to the Customs Declaration Service
• manage your email address for the Customs Declaration Service
• chose a payment method
• give customs agents customs clearance instructions
• if duty deferment is used it is necessary to set up a new direct debit for CDS

Failure to comply with these requirements will result in a business being unable to import goods.