Import businesses should have moved across to the new Customs Declaration Service (CDS) at the end of September.
But those who failed to migrate to the system have been given a one-month lifeline.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have said the old system can be used temporarily, following concern that not enough firms were ready for the changeover.
What needs to be done?
You have until the end of October to ask HMRC for permission to continue using the old Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system, which was due to close on 30 September.
At the beginning of August, 3,500 companies were still yet to register and now HMRC has published a form on its site for businesses to use if they need an extension.
HMRC says on its website that if you have been unable to migrate to the CDS to make import declarations you will need to ask permission to temporarily use CHIEF from 1 October 2022.
If you intend to continue to temporarily use the old CHIEF system you will need:
- An EORI number. EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification number. Those wishing to trade must use it as an identification number in all customs procedures when exchanging information with customs administrations
- The EORI number of any subsidiaries you are requesting the extension for
“The arrangements we’re making to enable those who need a little extra time to migrate will ensure that there is no disruption to trade flow,” a spokeswoman for HMRC said.
Exporters will be able to continue using CHIEF for export declarations until 31 March 2023.
How do I move to the Customs Declaration Service?
- Register for a Government Gateway account if you don’t have one
- Apply for an EORI number that starts with GB. Most businesses moving goods in and out of the UK already have one
- Register for the CDS. You’ll need your Government Gateway user ID and password for yourself or your business
- Choose which payment method to use You can choose the payment method which is best for your declaration
- Give your broker or agent customs clearance instructions, which are compliant with the CDS.
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