Customs Declaration Service
This page brings together information about the Customs Declaration Service.
About the Customs Declaration Service
The Customs Declaration Service supports making import and export declarations when moving goods into and out of the UK.
All import declarations must now be made through the Customs Declaration Service.
You can now start submitting all your export declarations through the Customs Declaration Service.
Getting access to the Customs Declaration Service
Making a declaration
You’ll need to use the UK Trade Tariff to help complete your import or export declaration. You can also check how to import or export goods.
Making a payment and managing your customs finances
To make an import declaration you need to choose how to pay duties, VAT or excise.
The Customs Declaration Service allows you to manage your customs financial accounts and download statements. You can also give authority to others to use your accounts.
The Trader Dress Rehearsal service
You can use the Trader Dress Rehearsal service to practice submitting declarations, this is a free to use service.
Moving goods into Northern Ireland
If you move goods into Northern Ireland, you can use the Trader Support Service. It’s free to use and quick and easy, simply follow the steps on the Trader Support Service site to register. Once registered, you will need to digitally provide the appropriate information on the goods being moved.
Buying specialist software
If you’re submitting customs declarations yourself, you will need specialist software to interact with HMRC systems.
Updates to this page
Last updated 4 March 2024 + show all updates
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You can now start submitting all your export declarations through the Customs Declaration Service.
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You should start submitting all your export declarations through the Customs Declaration Service from early March.
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All businesses will now need to declare goods through the Customs Declaration Service from 30 March 2024.
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Information added to 'About the Customs Declaration Service'. All businesses will need to declare goods through the Customs Declaration Service from 30 November 2023.
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Information about closing the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system on 31 March 2023 has been updated for Northern Ireland movements.
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Information about closing the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system on 31 March 2023 has been added.
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This page has been updated with information about the Customs Declaration Service and how to make payments.
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Information about how to check if you need to use the Customs Declaration Service has been updated.
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First published.