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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/customs-declaration-service-communication-pack/declarant-checklist-moving-to-the-customs-declaration-service--2

To make import declarations, you must move to the Customs Declaration Service from 1 October 2022. To do this, you need to follow the 7 important steps outlined below.

If you view your postponed import VAT statements online, you will have already subscribed to the Customs Declaration Service, but there are still actions you need to take. You should begin from step 3.

The Customs Declaration Service is resilient, reliable, cost effective and adaptable to the future needs of business. It operates both the UK and EU Trade Tariffs and supports import and some export declarations.

The Customs Declaration Service saves you time by:

You need an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number that starts with ‘GB’. Most businesses moving goods in and out of the UK already have one.

If you already have an EORI starting with ‘GB’, go to step 2.

You can apply for an EORI number if you don’t have one already. It’s free and it only takes 10 minutes to apply.

To apply for an EORI number you need to have a Government Gateway user ID. If you don’t already have one, you will create one during the application process.

You should receive your EORI number within a week, but it can take longer during busy periods.

When applying for a new EORI you’ll be automatically subscribed to the Customs Declaration Service. Once you have received your EORI  go to step 3.

You’ll then need to subscribe to the Customs Declaration Service. This can take up to 5 working days.

You’ll need your Government Gateway user ID and password for yourself or your business. You will also need:

This will link your software to your Government Gateway user ID. Your software provider will tell you how to do this.

If you’re acting on behalf of multiple clients, you may need to authorise the software for each client. Your software developer will be able to help you with this. You may need to regularly refresh this authorisation with your provider.

If you don’t already have a software provider, you can check the list of software developers providing customs declaration software.

The Customs Declaration Service is built on the Union Customs Code, which is fundamentally different from the Community Customs Code which CHIEF is based on. You can read about the key differences between CHIEF and the Customs Declaration Service.

Please read the Customs Declaration Service communication pack to understand how this impacts you and the declarations you intend to make.

You can choose the payment method which is best for your declaration. You can view your balances and payments for your financial statements and accounts once you’ve subscribed , as well as set up and amend standing authorities if you are a duty deferment account holder.

The main payment methods are:

You can also choose to pay via:

The Trader Dress Rehearsal service is a free service that lets you practice submitting declarations.

If you’d like to use the service, you should ask your software provider for access.

You can continue using the Trader Dress Rehearsal service after you start making declarations in live.

Contact your software provider once you’re ready to make declarations. They’ll make the request for access to the live service for you.

You’ll find help and guidance such as Navigate the CDS Declaration Instructions for Imports and the CDS Declaration Completion Instructions for Imports on GOV.UK.

You should securely upload when you submit your supporting documents like licenses or certificates of origin.

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

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