CDS replaces CHIEF: Latest facts and dates at a glance

CDS has been running since 2018 and HMRC is managing the system replacement in phases:

1. Imports

As of September 30, 2022, import declarations are no longer managed in CHIEF and have moved to the new CDS system. Go to the next chapter to learn about your options for using CHIEF beyond this deadline as announced by HMRC in August 2022.

2. Exports

After November 30, 2023, export declarations are no longer possible in CHIEF and businesses will need to use CDS. The original deadline for this was March 31, 2023, however, HMRC announced on December 15, 2022 that it will grant exporters 8 months longer to move across from CHIEF to CDS. Further details are expected to be announced in January 2023.

3. Northern Ireland

The use of CHIEF to submit import declarations for goods brought into Northern Ireland from outside the UK and the EU has been phased out earlier. Since October 31, 2021, the Customs Declaration Service has replaced CHIEF for such transactions. Since January 2021, importers must use CDS or, for all shipments into Northern Ireland from mainland GB, the Trader Support Service (TSS). To date, more than 47,000 businesses have registered for TSS since it's launch in 2020.  In the most recent update from October 3, 2022, the UK government has announced the extension of the Trade Support Service and it will now operate until the end of December 2023. 

Option for permission to use CHIEF temporarily for imports

In their news story from August 1, 2022, HMRC emphasized the urgency to register for and start the implementation of the import transition to the new Customs Declaration Service (CDS) without further delays. At the time, more than 3,500 businesses had yet to move. HMRC launched a campaign to contact these traders by phone and email to inform about the steps they need to take. 

While the original deadlines as listed in the first chapter of this article remain valid, HMRC published new guidance on September 20, 2022. It explains that traders who are not ready for their import declarations on CDS will need to ask permission from HMRC to temporarily continue using the CHIEF system beyond its official closing date (i.e. as of October 1, 2022) to avoid disruptions to their import operation. To request permission for an extension, traders can use the new online form on the HMRC website. 

Need a solution for managing declarations with CDS?

Peace of mind for the UK customs declaration service with AEB software

If you do not have a software solution in place yet or you would like to optimize how you currently manage your UK import and export declarations, you have come to the right place. There are different ways of managing customs declarations and whatever strategy you chose, AEB offers the ideal solution.

This includes managing export and import declarations yourself – in the cloud or integrated directly in your ERP system. And if you are working with customs brokers, you can optimize your collaboration with software from AEB to save time and money. Learn more on https://www.aeb.com/en/customs-software-platform/index.php