Please be advised, HMRC will switch off their current Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) I.T platform for all GB Imports 30th September 2022, and 31st March 2023 for Exports. CHIEF will be replaced by a brand new system called Customs Declaration Service (CDS).
WHAT CHIEF TO CDS MEANS FOR IMPORTERS
If you Import or Export to or from GB, you need to take action now, registering for CDS. Also, If you have a Duty Deferment Account (DDA), you will need to authorise AMCO (or other Customs Agents you work with) to use your Deferment account. There are plenty of benefits of Duty Deferment. In addition, CDS uses a separate HMRC bank account to CHIEF, so you will need to set up a new Direct Debit too.
WHY IS CHIEF CLOSING?
There are two major reasons why CHIEF is being replaced by CDS. Firstly, the process of importing and exporting goods to and from Great Britain became much more complicated in the aftermath of Brexit. Secondly, HMRC’s current CHIEF platform is built upon 30-year-old technology, using paper-based Community Customs Code rules.
Now, in a post-Brexit world with newer technology available, the UK Government recognised change was needed. Its Customs I.T platform needed a complete overhaul. As a result, CDS was born, providing a more secure, stable platform in which businesses benefit from a more streamlined process. HMRC’s aim is to have the world’s most effective Customs Declarations system by 2025.
3,500 BUSINESSES RISK LOSING THE ABILITY TO IMPORT GOODS
We want to ensure AMCO customers do not experience Customs delays come 1st October 2022. Therefore, we urge you to take swift action!
Many businesses are already using the Customs Declaration Service, however, it’s thought around 3,500 businesses are still to take action, risking delays in the importation of their goods. It can take several weeks to be fully set up, so those still to register need to act without delay or risk being unable to import goods to the UK from October 1st.
4 THINGS YOU NEED TO DO
1. If you don’t have one, register for a Government Gateway account.
2. Via your Government Gateway account, register for CDS.
3. If you have a Duty Deferment Account, set up a new Direct Debit.
4. Re-authorise AMCO (or other Agents you work with) to use your Deferment account. You will need to enter our EORI number: GB123519337000 (CBW Resources Ltd).
To clarify, any business not ready for the new customs declaration service before 1st October 2022 will be unable to Import goods into the UK. It’s also important to understand CHIEF to CDS differences.
A SEAMLESS TRANSITION
Be reassured, the team at AMCO Park are well advanced in their preparations and continues to work hard so AMCO customers experience a seamless as possible transition. As can be seen, some of the team have already completed their CDS training.
By all means, if you need advice get in touch on 0800 054 8000.
