HMRC is contacting over 220,000 firms to encourage them to use the UK’s new streamlined customs IT platform, if they haven’t already. After September 30, businesses must use the Customs Declaration Service to make import declarations in order to continue importing goods.
HMRC is mailing to over 220,000 VAT-registered firms with instructions on how to use the Customs Declaration Service if they haven’t already.
Since its launch in 2018, the Customs Declaration Service has been used to make import declarations for items travelling into the UK. The new service will take the place of the existing Customs Handling Import and Export Freight (CHIEF), and will provide businesses with a more user-friendly, simplified system with additional capabilities.
This is the first step toward the government’s objective of a Single Trade Window, which will help businesses by reducing form filing, improving data utilization across government, and providing a better user experience.
Businesses who use a customs agent must ensure that they are ready to use the Customs Declaration Service to make import declarations by September 30. Those who do not have access to a customs agent must prepare their own declarations using system-compatible software before the 30 September deadline.
A customs agent is hired by many firms to make declarations on their behalf. Businesses can locate a list of customs agents on GOV.UK if they need one. This list is updated on a regular basis to reflect which agents are qualified to use the Customs Declaration Service.
Larger companies, such as freight forwarders and hauliers, must begin the conversion process right away by working with their software developer, community service provider, or agent.
HMRC’s Director General for Borders and Trade, Carol Bristow, said:
After CHIEF closes for import declarations in just over three months, all businesses will have to rely on the Customs Declaration Service. It is critical that businesses switch to the new system as soon as feasible. There is plenty of help and advice available to assist firms in making the transition.
Businesses must begin the process now to ensure that they are properly set up before the 30 September deadline, as it takes time to transition to the Customs Declaration Service depending on the size and type of their firm.
Postal providers, including as Royal Mail, will continue to make customs declarations on behalf of UK small businesses who receive products from overseas via mail, as well as notify them of any tax or duty payable.
More material is available on GOV.UK to help all businesses and agents prepare for the Customs Declaration Service, including a toolkit and checklists that break down the steps merchants must take. Traders can also use GOV.UK to register for the Customs Declaration Service or check if they have access to it, as well as get live customer support.
After 31 March 2023, the Customs Declaration Service will replace CHIEF as the UK’s single customs platform. Businesses must use the Customs Declaration Service to make export declarations for items they send out of the UK after March 31.