UK e-customs systems: CHIEF ends. CDS to take over from 2022
From CHIEF to CDS

UK e-customs systems: CHIEF ends. CDS to take over from 2022

Customs system changes are underway in the UK. UK imports will switch from CHIEF to CDS at the end of September 2022 and UK exports at the end of March 2023.

Author: Luke Hanson
Luke Hanson
01.11.2021

It's a fact: Use of CHIEF will end in the UK

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has worked for years to replace the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system with a new platform, the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). After running for nearly 30 years, the date has been set for CHIEF to be replaced for good. The transition period has started in August 2018 and is scheduled to end in March 2023. 

HMRC will gradually reduce CHIEF services. The functionalities will be switched off in two phases: As from Friday, September 30, 2022, you will no longer be able to submit new import declarations using CHIEF. And as from Friday, March 31, 2023, you will no longer be able to submit new export declarations using CHIEF

Exception: CHIEF in Northern Ireland

The use of CHIEF to submit import declarations for goods brought into Northern Ireland from outside the UK and the EU is being phased out earlier. Since October 31, 2021, the Customs Declaration Service has replaced CHIEF for such transactions. Since January 2021, importers have to use CDS or the Trader Support Service (TSS) for all shipments into Northern Ireland from mainland GB. 

How to export from and import to the UK

Filing your own import and export declarations may seem like a daunting task but with an informed partner at your side, even the most insurmountable hurdles can be overcome. 

Learn more about your import and export filing options with AEB. 

HMRC works with five community system providers (CSPs) to streamline customs processes at logistics hubs such as the ports of Felixstowe or Southampton. Import declarations at these border crossings must go through the relevant CSP. CDS supports automated communication with the IT systems of the CSPs. 

As AEB software has been approved by the UK authorities, you can already choose to connect the new UK CDS system via CSPs Pentant, CNS, and MCP and also directly via the Internet for non-inventory linked declarations.

HMRC Guidance: Access to the Customs Declaration Service

UK customs system: From CHIEF to CDS

Preparations for the UK government system change from CHIEF to CDS have been underway for some time. Final deadlines have been released for 2022 and 2023. Learn more about the details of the change, what you need to do, and what your options are. 

More information

Similar content