Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF)

HMRC permanently shut down the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system on 4 June 2024. Every UK import and export declaration now goes through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) — the sole customs platform operating in the United Kingdom. Whether you traded through CHIEF for decades or are just starting to navigate CDS, this guide breaks down what changed, what replaced it, and how to keep your goods moving without delays.

What Was the CHIEF System?

Launched in 1994, CHIEF served as the backbone of UK customs processing for nearly 30 years. The system handled declaration data for goods entering and leaving the country, calculated duties and taxes, and allowed traders to communicate with counterpart customs systems across EU member states. At its peak, CHIEF processed approximately 55 million declarations annually — a figure that grew to an estimated 250 million post-Brexit.

Despite its long track record, the platform was built on ageing technology managed first by BT, then by the Capgemini-Fujitsu-HMRC joint venture known as Aspire, and finally insourced by HMRC in 2016. Adapting CHIEF to comply with the Union Customs Code (UCC) proved impractical, which prompted HMRC to develop a ground-up replacement rather than patch the legacy architecture.

Timeline: How HMRC Retired CHIEF

The road from CHIEF to CDS was anything but straightforward. HMRC revised the shutdown deadline at least 5 times before settling on a final date. Here is how the transition unfolded:

By the time CHIEF went dark, CDS had already processed over 100 million declarations since its 2018 launch — proof that the newer platform could handle the volume.

Key Differences Between CHIEF and CDS

Switching platforms involved far more than logging into a different website. CDS introduced structural changes to how declarations are built, coded, and paid for. The table below highlights the most impactful distinctions:

One point catches many traders off guard: CHIEF tariff codes are not recognised by CDS. Submitting a declaration with the old code format triggers an immediate rejection, so verifying your commodity codes and goods classification (TARIC codes) against the CDS tariff is essential before filing.

How to Use CDS for Your Customs Declarations

Registering for CDS is a one-time process, but it does require several pieces of information. Here is what you need to get started:

Step 1 — Set up your access

Log into your Government Gateway account (or create one at GOV.UK) and subscribe to the Customs Declaration Service. You will need to provide:

• An EORI number starting with GB — apply for one if yours begins with a different prefix.
• Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).
• The company address registered in the customs register.
• Your National Insurance Number (NIN).
• The date your business commenced operations.
• A valid email address for notifications.

Step 2 — Configure your payment method

CDS offers 6 payment routes, giving you flexibility depending on volume and cash flow:

1. Duty Deferment Account (DDA) — requires a new CDS-specific Direct Debit Instruction. Do not cancel your old CHIEF DDI until outstanding payments clear.
2. CDS Cash Account — automatically created when you register, replacing the old FAS.
3. Immediate payment — via Faster Payments, CHAPS, or Bacs transfers.
4. Card payment — debit or corporate credit card through the CDS dashboard.
5. Individual Guarantee — covers duties on one-off or high-value imports.
6. General Guarantee Account — provides multiple guarantees from a single account for ongoing trade.

Step 3 — Authorise your customs broker

Planning to have a broker submit declarations on your behalf? You will need to grant them access to your deferment account via the CDS Financial Dashboard. This authorisation step is separate from any permissions that existed under CHIEF, so even long-standing broker relationships require a fresh setup on CDS.

For the full official documentation, visit the CDS collection page on GOV.UK, which includes worked examples, commodity code guidance, and a troubleshooting section listing common CDS error codes.

How OTS Broker Supports Your CDS Declarations

Handling customs paperwork through a new platform can feel overwhelming — especially when deadlines are tight and goods are sitting at the port. That is exactly where we step in.

On The Spot Broker submits import and export customs declarations through CDS on behalf of traders across the UK and EU. With branches in the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and Poland, we provide clearance services that span both sides of the border — a capability that became critical after Brexit reshaped trade flows.

Here is what working with us looks like in practice:

• Express CDS declarations filed 7 days a week — because freight does not stop on weekends.
• Coverage at 37+ UK ports and airports, from Felixstowe and Dover to Southampton and London Heathrow.
• EU-side clearance at key locations including Calais, Rotterdam, and Venlo.
• Full support for transit procedures (T1 & T2 documents), simplified customs declaration procedures (SCDP), safety and security declarations (ENS/EXS), and GVMS.
• Consultancy on procedure codes and tariff classification — so your CDS submissions use the correct data elements from the start.

Already registered for CDS but unsure whether your declarations are set up correctly? Request a free consultation — our team will review your setup and advise on the most efficient approach for your supply chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CHIEF system still available?

No. HMRC permanently closed the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system on 4 June 2024. All UK customs declarations — both import and export — must now be submitted through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). There is no fallback option or temporary extension available.

What do I need to register for CDS?

You need a Government Gateway account, an EORI number beginning with GB, your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), your National Insurance Number, your registered business address, and the date your business started operating. Registration is free and can be completed online at GOV.UK.

Can a customs broker submit CDS declarations on my behalf?

Yes. Licensed customs brokers like OTS Broker can file import and export declarations through CDS for you. You will need to authorise your broker to access your deferment account via the CDS Financial Dashboard. We handle CDS submissions at ports across the UK and EU — get in touch to set this up.

Will my CHIEF procedure codes work on CDS?

No — and this is one of the most common errors traders encounter. CDS uses a different code structure: Procedure Codes (PCs) combined with Additional Procedure Codes (APCs), rather than the fixed 7-digit CPCs from CHIEF. Submitting a CHIEF-format code on CDS will result in a rejected declaration. Check the UK Trade Tariff Tool or consult a broker to confirm the correct codes.

Do I need a new Direct Debit for CDS?

Yes, if you use a Duty Deferment Account (DDA). CDS operates through a separate HMRC bank account, so a new CDS Direct Debit Instruction (DDI) is required. Keep your old CHIEF DDI active until all outstanding CHIEF-era payments have settled.