Warning that hundreds of businesses risk losing ability to import goods

More than 3500 businesses risk significant delays to importing goods if they fail to move to the UK’s new streamlined customs system, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has warned.

Businesses submitting import declarations must use the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) from 1 October 2022, it explained, as the present Customs Handling Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system will then close for import declarations.

Businesses should check that their customs agents are ready to use the CDS, HMRC advised.

Full details about the CDS and how it will work can be found HERE.

HMRC has welcomed the fact that many businesses have already moved to the new system but is concerned at the number who have yet to make the transposition.

Julie Etheridge, HMRC’s Director of Programme and Operational Delivery for Borders and Trade, said: “There are now only two months left until businesses must use CDS for imports. Businesses need to move now or risk being unable to bring their goods into the UK. Registering takes time so businesses should start moving to the Customs Declaration Service to ensure a smooth transition and avoid disruption to their business.”

Traders can register or check they have access to the CDS HERE and access live customer support services for additional help HERE.

Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce's ChamberCustoms is the only UK service that offers a 'One stop shop' with the ability to clear goods at any major GB port as well as issue T1 transit declarations.

Our Customs Clearance service is delivered through a partnership with ChamberCustoms Ltd - a British Chambers of Commerce venture. Together, we can can draw on our extensive knowledge, reputation and first-class service in facilitating international trade.

The service is offered direct to businesses throughout Dundee, Angus, Perth and Fife, ensuring that customs clearance is accurate, timely and helps you avoid unnecessary costs, delays or errors.

Our service will be fully switched to the CDS system and our Import customers will not see any impact of the change from CHIEF.

If you are not yet a user of our ChamberCustoms service or want to exquire about our wider Export Documentation support, please email our team on international@dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We also work with businesses to explore and access new markets, with trade missions planned to Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands and Dubai, UAE.

We have an upcoming webinar showcasing the benefits of joining our Swedish mission - you can register for the online event here

Back to news