A Government-sponsored committee has delivered an update on the switch to a new customs service for exporters, following Brexit.
The HMRC-sponsored Joint Customs Consultative Committee (JCCC) has issued a reminder on the upcoming switch to the new system.
It is advising businesses of the need to use the new Customs Declaration Service (CDS) for export declarations by 30 November 2023, when the final switchover from the old Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system will occur.
From that point on, CHIEF will be fully closed. The final deadline for exporters had previously been extended by eight months.
How the timeline works
The JCCC has set out key dates for when different groups of traders will be able to start using CDS for exports.
They include:
· Late February 2023: Exporters who move goods through UK ports using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service will be given information on how to start making CDS declarations using third-party software
· May 2023: Traders using the National Export System service will be contacted to let them know how to use CDS to make an export declaration
· September 2023: Information on how to start using CDS on third-party software will be delivered to export declarants using Designated Export Place movements
· 30 November 2023: From this date onwards, all declarations need to be made through CDS
The JCCC is also reminding businesses to take the following steps: · Register for an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number · Subscribe to CDS · Read the latest Customs Declaration Service guidance on the Government’s website
Cross-border transit
HMRC has also made several changes to its online guidance on cross-border transit. The updates will affect any traders using the Common Transit Convention, a customs facilitation to allow for goods to cross multiple borders without checks at each point of entry. Official guidance has been refreshed here. Reanda UK is a subsidiary of leading independent accountancy firm Grunberg & Co Limited. Our aim is to help businesses and individuals to navigate the UK’s world-renowned business and tax infrastructure, and to support them with their international ambitions. To find out how we can help you, please contact us.