Business West to continue to support business through new customs platform

Business West will continue to support users of its Chamber Customs service via the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), which HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced this month will serve as the UK’s single customs platform from 31 March 2023. 

HMRC will be closing its Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system on 31 March 2023. From this date, all businesses will need to declare goods through the new system, the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).

CDS is already used for Northern Ireland and Rest of World declarations and has processed more than one million declarations since going live in 2018. 

According to HMRC, CDS has been developed over several years and will provide a more secure platform.

Catherine Stephens, Head of International Trade Services at Business West said:

“As a Chamber Customs broker with years of experience in international trade and export documentation, Business West will ensure a smooth transition to the new customs platform for our customers.

“Businesses who are not used to completing customs declarations or do not have the resources can rest assured with our service that their goods will pass through customs in a timely fashion, without the risk of incurring unexpected costs or delays at the border.”

Business West is authorised by HMRC to process customs declarations and will ensure that all the correct information is submitted. Any mistakes or errors in declarations could incur penalties or fines. Companies can find more information on our Customs Declarations service here. 

If firms would like to complete their customs declarations themselves, Business West is also running Customs Declaration Training. Find out more and secure your place here.