Important changes are taking place in the HMRC IT systems that receive and process customs declarations. The new Customs Declaration Service (CDS) is a modern IT system that will replace the aging Customs Handling of Import and Exports of Freight (CHIEF) system. Alinea Customs uses CDS, currently alongside the CHIEF platform, and will be supporting our clients in adapting to the new customs processes for import declarations between July and September 2022.
How will this impact my business?
HMRC CHIEF will become obsolete for import declarations from 30 September 2022, and obsolete for export declarations from 31 March 2022.
UK traders must register for CDS - Alinea Customs can continue to process customs declarations on behalf of your company.
Information will be processed by your customs agent using codes for electronic data sets, rather than through codes and processes designed for paper-based practices, and functionality and efficiency will be enhanced as the UK prepares for the introduction of the Single Trade Window by 2025.
It is likely that an increased amount of information may be requested by your customs agent when processing your customs declarations concerning areas such as Incoterms, awareness for all values, the location information, and nature of the transaction information.
Traders will have access to a Customs Declarations Service Financial Dashboard which permits them to view information relating to customs declarations processed on behalf of the company.
VAT registered business should indicate Postponed Accounting on the Customs Declarations Service Financial Dashboard and if they may have customs or excise duty liability on their imports, they must decide which which payment method to use.
Payment options include the ability to make an immediate payment to cover the customs debt before the goods arrive at the border, rather than the former system of using the customs agent's FAS or DAN account.
Traders can also make prepayments into an account to service customs debts, and have the option to set up a duty deferment account and direct debit
To enable Alinea Customs to use a customer’s deferment account on declarations, the customer must authorise Alinea Customs under GB EORI GB367945444000 via your Government Gateway account under deferment options.
How do I register for CDS?
Register for CDS using the following link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-access-to-the-customs-declaration-service
How do I view information relating to my imports declared on CDS?
Using the link below, you can:
View your import VAT and duty adjustment statements
Get your postponed import VAT statement
Get copies of your duty deferment statements
Get your import VAT certificates
Use the following link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/customs-declaration-service-service-availability-and-issues
Further useful information:
Download the paper: