If your business imports goods into the UK, then you need to move to the Customs Declaration Service now. If you do not, you will not be able to import goods into the UK from 1 October 2022.
Even if you use a customs agent to help you with customs declarations, there are still actions you need to take. You need to:
- subscribe to the Customs Declaration Service
- choose a payment method
- check your standing authorities are correctly set up
- give your customs agent, customs clearance instructions
It takes a number of weeks to move across, so you should subscribe as soon as possible.
HMRC’s trader checklist will help you make sure you’ve taken the necessary steps.
You can set up a standing authority on the Customs Declaration Service on your customs financial account. You can also make changes to add or delete these in the same place.
By 30 September 2022 you need to set up a new Direct Debit Instruction for the Customs Declaration Service if you use a duty deferment account. If you do not do this, you will not be able to use your duty deferment account and will need to make immediate payments each time you make an import declaration.
Online help and support available
HMRC have a range of online support available to help you make the move to the Customs Declaration Service, including:
- information about payment methods
- a new series of short ‘how to’ videos on HMRC’s YouTube channel
- a regularly updated list of customs agents and fast parcel operators who can help businesses with moving to the Customs Declaration Service
More help and support available
If you have any questions about the Customs Declaration Service, please contact HMRC using one of these channels