Dear Customer,

If you import and/ or export to/ from the United Kingdom, there are important changes to UK Customs arrangements which cannot be ignored.

This will affect everyone, private individuals, sole traders, VAT registered traders and organisations using specific Customs regimes such as IP Authorisations and warehousing bonds.

In September 2022 UK Customs will switch off their current import service which is called CHIEF (Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight). This is being replaced by a new system called CDS (Customs Declaration Service).

6 months later, CHIEF will no longer manage Export declarations which will also transfer to the new CDS platform.

CDS is a replacement for the legacy CHIEF system that has been running in the UK since 1992 and to provide a sense of scale, CHIEF currently processes around three hundred million Customs entries per year.

As with any new system, especially sophisticated IT systems, the delivery will be challenging. CDS is already live in Northern Ireland and has been for imports since 1^st January 2021. Here in mainland UK, it has been used by a small number of importers.

IMPORTANT DATES

After 30^th September 2022 CHIEF will no longer process Import clearances and from 1^st October 2022 Import clearances must be processed using CDS

After 31^st March 2023 CHIEF will not longer process Export clearances and from 1^st April 2023 export clearances must be processed using CDS

Traders who have CDS compliant software can use the CDS test service for training purposes, but we suspect the vast majority of our customers will want to rely on our ability to manage Customs arrangements on their behalf.

The learning curve is a steep one, but progress is good. The new system is highly process driven, and one thing that is very apparent is that there is an increase in the part the customer will have to play in the run-up to the Customs entry being ready to transmit.

We plan to issue further guidance to our customers in due course but in the meantime would urge everyone to take time to following the Government guidance as detailed in the below links:

Trader checklist – moving to the Customs Declaration Service - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Subscribe to the Customs Declaration Service - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Customs Declaration Service communication pack - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Customs Declaration Service - YouTube

Remember our EORI number is: GB272707887000

CDS For the Importer

It’s essential you register on the CDS portal otherwise delays will occur to your imports.

CDS For the Exporter

As an exporter, you will want to know what declarations have been made on your behalf using your EORI number. Under current arrangements you must purchase a monthly CHIEF MSS report which provides these details. CDS does not work in this way, so if you wish to obtain this information from CDS, you will need to register on the CDS portal.

Customers with Deferment Accounts

For customers who have their own Deferment Account (DAN) the following steps need to be completed: 

1. Direct Debit – Although a new deferment account is not required, a second direct debit needs to be set-up specifically for CDS. Once registered for CDS, set up a new direct debit mandate, which will be in addition to the direct debit for any CHIEF declarations.

2. Standing Authority – Standing authority Deferment account holders will need to authorise us to use your deferment account on the Government Gateway, using the same link as the direct debit. You will need to authorise Silver Tiger Logistics EORI GB272707887000 to utilize your deferment account via the CDS portal. Without this authority we cannot clear your goods.