UK to Roll Out New “Customs Declarations Service” (CDS) Electronic Platform Replacing CHIEF

In this article, you’ll learn:

1. Overview of the CDS Migration
2. Key Changes with the Migration from CHIEF to CDS
3. How to Prepare for the UK Customs Declaration Migration to CDS
4. CDS System Migration FAQs
5. Additional Information about the CDS System

UK Customs Declaration Migration to CDS Overview

The UK’s tax, payments and customs authority, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), will be retiring the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system on March 31, 2023, and switching to the new Customs Declaration Service (CDS) electronic system.

This change will affect the way UPS Supply Chain Solutions makes Customs declarations on your behalf for both imports and exports.

To avoid any delays during the migration period, you’ll need to prepare and gather the necessary information ahead of time.

CHIEF Services will be withdrawn in two stages:

1. September 30, 2022: import declarations close on CHIEF
2. March 31, 2023: export declarations close on CHIEF / National Exports System (NES)

Key Changes with the Migration from CHIEF to CDS

Direct Debit: There will be a new process to set up the Direct Debit for CDS (this varies from the existing CHIEF process).

Duty Deferment: There will be a new authorization process, which will allow UPS to use your Duty Deferment number. With the new system, we may require more information than the previous CHIEF system to make a compliant declaration. Find more details on how to make a CDS declaration.

Declaration Payment Process: The declaration payment process will also change on CDS. This will affect Duty Deferment Accounts, Flexible Accounting System (FAS) accounts, Immediate Payments, Guarantee Accounts, and Individual Guarantees.

How to Prepare for the UK Customs Declaration Migration to CDS

Read the CDS Guide for UK Importers for more details and complete the following steps:

1. Register for a Government Gateway (GG) account

2. Register for CDS if applicable

3. Complete the CDS Direct Debit Instruction if applicable

4. Grant and/or amend Standing Authority for UPS

5. Fill out the table in the attached guide with your new HMRC authorization numbers

6. Advise UPS when ready via your usual branch contacts

Email the completed table mentioned in step 5 and the CDS Direct Representation letter to your local UPS SCS branch.

Additional Information about the CDS System

Determine if you require any additional authorizations/licenses:

1. Read the step-by-step process on importing goods into the UK
2. Find out how you can use simplified declarations for imports
3. Reach out to the HMRC helpdesk: Import, Export and general enquiries

Learn the CDS Data Requirements (Including the CDS Tariff)

Determine if you require any additional authorizations/licenses:

1. CDS is compliant with the Uniform Commerical Code (UCC) and introduces additional tariff changes for goods imported/exported to/from Great Britain and the rest of the world.
2. Find the guidance, codes and procedures to use when importing or exporting goods when using the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) by reading the UK Trade Tariff volume 3 for CDS
3. HMRC Helpdesk for Tariff Classification: classification.enquiries@hmrc.gov.uk

Why UPS?

As UPS, we have extensive experience in both customs clearance and trade advisory services and will work to find the right solutions that work for you. With our customer-first approach to business, you can be assured you are in good hands.

For more information, please reach out to a Brokerage Expert.

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