What was CHIEF?
CHIEF (Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight) was the computer system HM Revenue & Customs used for decades to record the movement of goods into and out of the UK by land, sea and air. Importers, exporters, freight forwarders and customs agents used it to lodge customs declarations electronically, and it automatically checked entries for errors.
Core principle: CHIEF is no longer in use. All UK customs declarations now go through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).
CHIEF closure timeline
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| 30 September 2022 | CHIEF closed for import declarations, which moved to CDS |
| 4 June 2024 | CHIEF closed for export declarations after several postponements, completing the move to CDS |
Why the UK replaced CHIEF
- CHIEF dated from the 1990s and was built on outdated technology.
- Brexit sharply increased the number of declarations the system had to handle.
- CDS follows the international WCO data model and offers online duty and VAT statements.
What it means today
If you see references to CHIEF in older contracts, procedures or software, they should now point to CDS. Historic CHIEF declarations remain relevant for audits and record-keeping, but new declarations can only be made in CDS.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still submit declarations through CHIEF?
No. CHIEF closed for imports in September 2022 and for exports in June 2024.
What replaced CHIEF?
HMRC’s Customs Declaration Service (CDS), which now handles all UK import and export declarations.
Did CHIEF apply in the EU?
No. CHIEF was a UK-only system. EU Member States each run their own national customs systems under the Union Customs Code.
