CHIEF MIGRATION TO CDS DATES ANNOUNCED
BY:
Gail Leeson
3 August 2021
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HMRC have announced the migration dates for the HMRC CHIEF system to the CDS system.
The dates for the migration of the CHIEF (Customs Handling of Import Export Freight) system have been long awaited by those involved not only in making customs declarations, but to those involved in the critical development and implementation of the software and IT methods that link into and support the making those declarations.
HMRC have confirmed that the more mature CDS Import function will go live initially, with the function that supports Exports to follow six months later.
The migration dates are confirmed as follows:
1. 30th September 2022: Ability to make import declarations on the CHIEF system will be removed.
2. 31st March 2023: Ability to make export declarations on CHIEF and the NES (National Export System) will be removed.
It is intended that CHIEF will remain available until mid-2023 to enable existing declarations to be closed and that further information on the exact arrangements regarding CHIEF services will be released in due course.
Be Prepared for the Business Changes Required
HMRC have indicated that the design of the CDS system looks forward towards future border requirements as the country moves beyond EU Exit, and have urged businesses towards making appropriate arrangements to adapt business processes and IT systems for the change in good time.
CDS has a different approach to the presentation of the data needed to make a compliant declaration than the older CHIEF system, and general business provision may include staff training and consideration to the updating of a business’ financial information needed to support CDS use.
Adequate preparation will be key.
Staff Training
Traders may apply to access the Trader Dress Rehearsal (TDR) service to enable trial declarations to be submitted in a ‘production like’ system. Details are included in the link below
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/customs-declaration-service-to-become-uks-single-customs-platform
Preparing for the Customs Declaration Service
(www.gov.uk)
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