This is because CHIEF is closing for import declarations on 30 September and HMRC needs time to ensure that the shutdown proceeds in an orderly manner. From 1 October, the Customs Declaration Service will be the only HMRC platform for making import customs declarations in the UK.

This announcement by HMRC could potentially affect new importers who haven’t yet registered to complete import customs declarations and are intending to do so imminently.

So, from today, as far as the HMRC CHIEF import declaration service is concerned, all new registrations must be made on the Customs Declaration Service.

If you are new to importing and need practical advice on what the steps are you need to take, we have created a 1-hour spotlight session on CDS. This session has been designed for Importers who use a forwarder / fast parcel operator / customs broker to submit their customs declarations. We will walk you through the steps you need to take as an Importer to ensure you are ready for CDS. Register Here

If you are a new importer and are looking to self-declare, then our CDS Community™ has been designed to offer practical, clear advice and assistance for importers, exporters, agents, and those completing their own declarations. Find out more

Read the full statement from HMRC at gov.uk here:

New importers to register on new single customs platform - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

HMRC has also issued the following information to the Trade

CHIEF is no longer accepting new importers from 10 am on 5 July 2022
 

We are asking for your help to make sure new importers understand they must use the Customs Declaration Service. 

You may be the first point of contact for a new importer who is looking for help on how to make import declarations. 

If you receive any queries from your members who are new importers, please tell them after 10am on  5 July 2022 they can no longer register on Customs Handling Import and Export Freight (CHIEF). They must subscribe for the Customs Declaration Service to make their import declarations. 

However, existing importers can still apply to import from a new location until CHIEF closes after September 30, 2022. 

CHIEF is now receiving few new registrations ahead of closing for all import declarations on 30 September 2022. The system will stop accepting new registration requests from importers from 10am on 5 July 2022. Instead, any new importers will need to register with the Customs Declaration Service to make their import declarations. 

If you receive any queries from traders who are new importers, please signpost them to the following HMRC guidance and information to help them start trading on the Customs Declaration Service. 

CHIEF training service closing 

The free CHIEF training service provided for trader, declarants and intermediaries is also closing from 10 am on 12 July 2022. Please convey this change to your members and encourage them to start trading on the Customs Declaration Service. You could also share the declarant checklist with them to help them plan their move. 

Simplified import declarations 

If your members are not already doing so, they will not be able to be newly authorised to use simplified import declarations on CHIEF from 10 am on 5 July. You should do so via the Customs Declaration Service Subscribe to the Customs Declaration Service (www.gov.uk). 

If your members already make import declarations using CHIEF, we have transferred their existing customs authorisations to the Customs Declaration Service. Your members do not need to apply for a new authorisation to use the Customs Declaration Service if they already hold an active authorisation.

This means: 

•   to make declarations on Customs Declaration Service, your members must use the reference number we have given them 
• their existing authorisation letter remains valid 
• 
  

We will not set up any new import authorisations for CHIEF from 10 am on 5 July 2022. Your members must apply to use simplified declarations for imports on the Customs Declaration Service at Apply to use simplified declarations for imports (www.gov.uk) 

Trader Dress Rehearsal Service 

To help traders and declarants practise using the Customs Declaration Service they can use the Trader Dress Rehearsal service. This free service allows businesses to practice making declarations in a secure test environment using real information without any risk. We’ve found those who have used the Trader Dress Rehearsal service have a higher declaration success rate and find it easier to move all their declarations from CHIEF to the Customs Declaration Service. 

Find out more information about the Customs Declaration Service on GOV.UK.   
 
And finally, please see below link for info regarding Inland Border Facilities update (on the 16  June HMRC announced changes to the planned introduction and life-span of some of its Inland Border Facilities):

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/inland-border-facilities-update