The EU (except the island of Ireland) and the UK government have provided information on upcoming changes to the UK customs system in 2022.
Here is what you need to do to prepare for the change.
Migration to a single UK customs platform
The UK government’s IT systems need to be future-proofed to help create an environment where businesses can thrive and take advantage of free trade agreements to support global trade schemes.
The new customs declaration platform replaces the nearly 30-year-old Customs Processing of Imports and Exports (CHIEF). It is a secure platform and the government plans to have the most efficient customs system in the world by 2025.
According to the government’s plan, filers begin to migrate to the new system, and then the CHIEF system will be shut down in two steps:
Step 1: After September 30, 2022, the ability to declare imports will end.
Step 2: After March 31, 2023, the ability to declare exports will end.
The Customs Declaration Service will serve as the UK’s single customs platform, and after 31 March 2023 all businesses will be required to declare all imported and exported goods through the Customs Declaration Service.
Adapting to system changes takes time, and you should be prepared.
For more information on how to get started with the Customs Declaration Service, visit GOV.UK and search for ‘Customs Declaration Service’ for import declarations using the Customs Declaration Service.
You can ask someone to complete the declaration for you, visit GOV.UK and search for:
– ‘get someone to deal with customs for ‘
– ‘software developers providing customs declaration software’ and look for enabled software providers.
If you use software from a software developer
Your software developer should work closely with the government to prepare for customs declaration services. This includes updating their app and letting you know when your business is ready to start using customs declaration services.
If you use in-house developed software
Completing import or export declarations can be complex. You need compatible software to do this. If you already have the right software, licenses, and skills, you can be prepared to switch platforms. Please visit GOV.UK and search for ‘Customs Declaration Service’.
If you have any questions about customs declarations, please contact your Account Manager or Account Compliance Manager.
If your question does not include any of the above, please speak to the support team using the following contact details: UK Government Customs and International Trade Hotline:
0300 322 9434 (Hotline is available from 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm on weekends.)
If you need urgent help, for example, if your cargo is stuck at the border. For additional contacts on imports, exports and customs relief, search on GOV.UK: ‘imports and exports: general enquiries’ .
If you are exporting to the EU, you can contact the Export Support Services Team on GOV.UK by searching for ‘export support service’ or by calling 0300 303 8955.
