Essential maintenance for the Automatic Licence Verification Service (ALVS) on CDS/CHIEF

BY:

Niamh O'Connor
9 December 2022

SHARE:

On Sunday 11 December between 8am and 9pm, process declarations lodged on either Customs Declaration Service (CDS) or Customs Handling of Import Export Freight (CHIEF) requiring approval through the ALVS will not be automatically processed.

This will affect those who move live animals and fresh produce. During this downtime HMRC will use manual processes to clear movements at the borders, which may take slightly longer than usual. They are therefore asking traders to try and avoid moving goods during this timeframe and consider moving goods on other days.


Trader steps to take:

If traders cannot arrange movements outside of this timeframe, then they will be asked to start the journey as normal, or send requests for clearance direct to the National Clearance Hub (NCH) in line with the guidelines below:

  • NCH is authorised to manually clear all live animals requiring Common Health Entry Document (CHED).
  • Procedure for Electronic Application for Certificates from the Horticultural Marketing Inspectorate (PEACH) / eDomero remain unaffected, therefore NCH is authorised to clear all Plant Health and Seed Inspectorate (PHSI) / Horticulture Market Inspectorate (HMI) regulated goods on presentation of Conformity Certificates, Phytosanitary Certificates and QRC’s.
  • NCH is authorised to clear all consignments of products requiring CHED.
  • ALVS users should use the request for manual release form found on GOV.UK and submit a fully completed CHED with the request to NCH. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/import-and-export-alvs-manual-release-form

OneCall™ Email assistance as and when required; A one-call solution for all your import, export and customs enquiries. Export help. Import help. Customs help.

Stay informed about customs and international trade matters by subscribing to our OneCall™ service. This comprehensive offering includes a dedicated email helpline for support, timely practical updates direct to your inbox (Did You Know?), monthly UK Customs & Trade Briefings and access to an interactive members' area with an exclusive community for our subscribers.

Subscribe Today ➝

International Trade Updates & Spotlight Newsletter

Subscribe to our free information emails covering international trade topics...

Subscribe to our newsletter ➝

MORE INDUSTRY INSIGHTS...

by Niamh O'Connor 16 September 2025
Join us in October for comprehensive training courses on Customs compliance and international trade. Our October sessions are tailored to suit your schedule, offering full-day courses and focused, shorter clinics. Whether you're looking to master the basics of import/export or delve into more advanced Customs regulations, we have a wide range of courses to suit your needs. See below for further details of October courses. 
by Sandra Strong 15 September 2025
For SMEs and newcomers, Customs mistakes are more than just annoying; they can result in financial losses, cause delays, and even block shipments entirely. Let’s break down five mistakes beginners often make and how to tackle them early, so your first steps in trade are confident, not chaotic.
by Tim Hiscock 9 September 2025
For many UK businesses, the idea of exporting can feel like a big leap. Selling your products or services overseas is not only about finding new customers, but also about opening your business up to fresh opportunities, new challenges, and long-term growth. 
Show More