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

Q: Who is affected by the migration from Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) to Customs Declaration Services (CDS)?

Anyone who ships into and out of the UK will be affected with this transition. To be prepared, make sure to register for the UK Government Gateway.

Q: Will this change cause my shipments to be delayed?

If we donâ€™t receive your information in time, there could be delays beyond our control during the period of system migration.

September 13, 2022

In this article, you’ll learn:

Overview of the CDS Migration
Key Changes with the Migration from CHIEF to CDS
How to Prepare for the UK Customs Declaration Migration to CDS

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CHIEF Services will be withdrawn in two stages:

September 30, 2022: import declarations close on CHIEF
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:

Register for a Government Gateway (GG) account
Register for CDS if applicable
Complete the CDS Direct Debit Instruction if applicable
Grant and/or amend Standing Authority for UPS
Fill out the table in the attached guide with your new HMRC authorization numbers
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.

UK Declaration CDS System FAQs

Who is affected by the migration from Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) to Customs Declaration Services (CDS)?

Will this change cause my shipments to be delayed?

Additional Information about the CDS System

Determine if you require any additional authorizations/licenses:

Learn the CDS Data Requirements (Including the CDS Tariff)

Determine if you require any additional authorizations/licenses:

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.
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
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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