A significant change has been made to the process used by internationally trading businesses who import goods and services.
As of 10am on July 5, 2022, the free training service for the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) has closed for traders, declarants and intermediaries. HMRC has also stopped registrations for new importers for CHIEF.
What does this mean for my business?
New importers will now need to make import declarations through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).
Existing importers can continue to make import declarations with CHIEF until it closes on September 30, 2022. However, after this date, businesses will need to use CDS and are encouraged to take action now to prepare for the transition to the new system.
What is CDS?
The Customs Declaration Service is set to serve as the UK’s single customs platform. It has already been used by businesses for imports and exports for countries outside of the European Union and declarations for Northern Ireland in recent years. It will now be used for all imports and exports.
How can I register my business for CDS?
If you do not already have one, you will need to register for a Government Gateway account. Once this is set up, to register for CDS you will need to provide your Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number, unique taxpayer reference, your business address, your National Insurance number if you are a sole trader, the date you started your business, contact details such as your email address and choose your preferred payment method.
Once you are registered, you will be able to access a financial dashboard and the Secure File Upload Service for supporting documents.
How can the Chamber help?
With extensive experience in supporting internationally trading businesses for years, Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid’s team is able to guide you through the latest regulations, processes and policies to help businesses keep goods moving and ensure compliance at every stage.
The CDS system operates differently to CHIEF and our helpful team will be able to advise you on all of the new elements, tariff information and how to operate your account.
As a dedicated customs intermediary, the Chamber can manage all HMRC declarations through every port. Our experienced team curate end-to-end solutions and supply chain connectivity across global markets, offering a wide range of international documentary services as well as accredited training courses.
Find out more: https://cw-seswm.com/international/import/
