HMRC are now contacting traders regarding the next steps that they may take to ensure traders do not continue to use CHIEF for imports into the UK.  HMRC will remove CHIEF import permissions from a small number of traders who have not migrated to CDS, applied for an extension to use CHIEF or responded to previous communications.

HMRC will be writing to a small number of traders that are still using CHIEF for import declarations to provide ten working days for them to move new import declarations to the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). If they continue to make declarations on CHIEF after ten days, they will start the process of removing their ability to make new import declarations on CHIEF. They can still access existing declarations, make supplementary import declarations if needed and make new export declarations if required.

Those who are taking steps to move to CDS but require a little extra time to complete their preparations, can apply for an extension to use CHIEF, provided they have an acceptable business reason.

We will be including links to the help and support available on GOV.UK for CDS as well as our YouTube videos.

This activity does not affect those who have permission from HMRC to continue to use CHIEF for imports, either through an agreed extension or because functionality does not yet support their migration. Neither does it affect those making export declarations on CHIEF – this is for import declarations only.