Since the 1990s, traders used the old Customs Handling of Import and Export (CHIEF) system for submitting their customs declarations. Since 2018, though, the UK government has gradually introduced the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) to replace it.
The deadline for transition to CDS came earlier this year, in June, and gaining a clear understanding of the changes remains essential to ensure full readiness and compliance with the system. You can get more detail on that in the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade’s recent ‘Importing goods in 2025’ white paper, which you can access here.
CHIEF
The old CHIEF system functioned as the primary system for processing import and export declarations for several years.
At first, it was efficient, but a growth in the volume of trade put the squeeze on the system, while it also faced challenges from technological change and slow introduction of complexities to the customs regulation environment. This was particularly relevant following the UK’s departure from the EU.
CDS
The challenges faced by CHIEF demanded a new system: enter CDS.
CDS represents an important improvement relative to the previous CHIEF system, as it provides advanced functionalities addressing the complexities of modern global trade.
In contrast to CHIEF, CDS is designed to accommodate the UK's changing post-Brexit trade landscape, offering more flexibility and capacity to handle the increasing data volumes necessary for compliance with EU and international trade requirements.
CDS incorporates sophisticated digital connectivity with trade systems, enabling real-time updates and enhancing precision in customs declarations, hence reducing errors and optimising operations for importers and exporters.
It also offers enhanced reporting capabilities, enabling traders to access and oversee financial data such as duty deferment accounts and overdue payments, and through that, improves financial transparency and control. CDS is more robust and user-centric, and serves as the foundation for the UK's future border strategy and future of digital trade ambitions.
Though the system is an upgrade on the old on, traders still need to be aware of the changes and the processes surrounding its implementation and regular updates. The 999L code, for example, which was used as a document waiver as businesses made the transition from CHIEF to CDS, was removed for import declarations on 31 January earlier this year – and is set to be removed for exports on 31 January 2025.
Education
Traders can get detailed training and understanding on CDS and using it to submit declarations with the Chartered Institute’s ‘Introduction to CDS’ elearning course.
The step-by-step course walks learners through the preparation of CDS data elements, and is perfect for customs brokers, export and import managers, customs data clerks and more.
You can access that one here.