09 August 2022

Customs Declaration Service Update

There has been a lot of messages from UK Customs over the last few weeks and months in regards to their new system CDS (Customs Declaration Service) which is replacing the current Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight aka CHIEF system.

 
Their initial letter was regarding clients making their own customs declaration which wouldn’t affect you as you use Mainfreight.  Since then, they have provide more information on requirements which could affect you and your business. The below will be applicable for any client that owns a UK Deferment number or is using Postponed Vat accounting.

We have shown individual links and guidance below which we believe could be applicable to you and have also supplied a full check list can be found in the following link 
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/customs-declaration-service-communication-pack/trader-checklist-moving-to-the-customs-declaration-service
 

 If you have your own Duty deferment account

 
The Customs Declaration Service uses a separate HMRC bank account to CHIEF, so you’ll need to set up a new direct debit using the following link https://www.gov.uk/guidance/set-up-a-direct-debit-for-a-duty-deferment-account-on-the-customs-declaration-service
 
You will also need to re-authorize Mainfreight (or other freight forwarding companies you work with) to use your deferment account. This is done in the Customs Declaration Service Finance Dashboard.
 

For clients using Postponed Vat Accounting

 
If you are accounting for VAT using Postponed VAT accounting, you will need to access your postponed VAT statement via the Customs Declaration Service.
You can view your balance and payments in the Customs Declaration Service Financial Dashboard, as well as grant and amend standing authorities for your payment accounts.
  

Register for a Government Gateway account

 
Most business will already have a Government Gateway account to access their personal or business tax account. You should use this account to access the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).

If you do not have one, you register for a Government Gateway account using the following link https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services
  

Registering for the Customs Declaration Service (CDS)

 If you do wish to register for CDS for peace of mind then please use the following link to register for the Customs Declaration Service, the original registration time was approx. 1 week but we believe this is now a lot longer so I would register sooner rather than later. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-access-to-the-customs-declaration-service
 
You'll need your Government Gateway user ID and password as well as:
•    Your GB EORI number
•    Your Unique Tax Reference (UTR) number. If you do not know then please use the following link https://www.gov.uk/find-lost-utr-number
•    Your National Insurance number (if you're an individual or sole trader)
•    The date you started your business 

Should you have any concerns, please reach out to your local Mainfreight team.

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