HMRC urges businesses to move to new customs IT platform

Letters and emails have been sent to relevant businesses that include further information about making the move to the UK’s single customs platform – the Customs Declaration Service – and set out the steps businesses must take now to ensure they can continue trading. They also signpost to online resources to support businesses through the process.

Whether businesses make their own declarations or use an intermediary, HMRC is urging them to act now to plan and make their move to the Customs Declaration Service.

The Customs Declaration Service supports making import and export declarations when moving goods into and out of the UK. It is a resilient, reliable and adaptable IT platform, which replaces the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF), and is the first step of the UK border transformation.

The CHIEF system is closing for import declarations after 30 September 2022. After 31 March 2023, the ability to make exports declarations will end and the CHIEF service will close.

HMRC said the Customs Declaration Service saves businesses time by allowing them to submit customs documents digitally and safely using the Secure File Upload service; providing access to all financial information in a single financial dashboard where businesses can view account statements, make payments and control standing authority; giving real-time notifications and alerts on all customs declarations and movements; and allowing businesses to manage finances by opening a duty deferment account, make payments by card or bank transfer enabling your goods to clear without delay.

To help businesses and agents plan their move to the Customs Declaration Service, HMRC has published step-by-step checklists.

Businesses can also use the Trader Dress Rehearsal service to help them prepare. The service enables businesses to practise realistic business scenarios using their own account data, test their software and train staff on how to use the Customs Declaration Service, all without risk. Businesses can use this service before they make the move to the Customs Declaration Service.

HMRC has also updated its guidance to help businesses complete import declarations by adding new examples for goods moved under special procedures.