HMRC have today (20 September 2022) launched a mechanism for import declarants to ask for a temporary extension for use of its Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system for imports from 1 October 2022.
The facility is aimed at businesses who will not be ready to migrate to the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) from 1 October. Business who will not be ready to submit import declarations to CDS from this date can complete the form found here to request authorisation to continue making declarations to CHIEF for a limited period.
HMRC will use the information provided through the form to assess:
- the business’ commitment to move to CDS
- how long the business needs temporary permission for
- whether the business has a reasonable justification for requiring continued access for that time period.
Communication from HMRC indicates that it is “CHIEF badge holders” – mostly customs agents and software providers – who should apply for the extension.
Businesses will be deemed eligible to continue making declarations to CHIEF if they have received written approval from HMRC, or if they have made an application and HMRC have not yet made a decision on the application. Unauthorised attempts to use CHIEF after 30 September could result in shipments being delayed.
In our recent alerts on the move to CDS, we have stressed the need for importers to ask their customs agent if they are ready, and today’s update from HMRC acts to reinforce that advice and means that if the answer is “no”, traders should then ask a follow-up question – “Have you been authorised to continue using CHIEF temporarily by HMRC?”.
If you need help relating to CDS-readiness, please contact Ian Worth or your usual Crowe contact.
