UK Customs

For years, UK importers and exporters relied on the CHIEF (Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight) system to process customs declarations. But now, the government has transitioned to the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) —a move that’s transforming the way traders manage international shipments. If your business is still trying to navigate this transition, you’re not alone. The shift from CHIEF to CDS brings a steep learning curve, new data requirements, and a different interface. But more importantly, non-compliance or delays in adapting to the CDS can put your international trade operations at risk. Here’s what you need to know about the Customs Declaration Service , and how Customs-Declarations.uk can help you adapt quickly, efficiently, and compliantly. What Is the Customs Declaration Service (CDS)? The Customs Declaration Service is the UK’s new digital platform for handling import and export declarations. It replaces the legacy CHIEF system and is designed to align ...

As the global supply chain becomes more complex and regulated, understanding new compliance frameworks is essential—especially for UK businesses navigating post-Brexit trade. One such framework that is reshaping the landscape of European customs is the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) . Designed by the European Union (EU), ICS2 is the next-generation customs pre-arrival security and safety programme, replacing its predecessor, ICS1. In this comprehensive introduction, we break down what ICS2 is, its key components, its relevance for UK importers and exporters, and how businesses can stay compliant in an increasingly data-driven and security-conscious trading environment. What Is ICS2? ICS2 stands for Import Control System 2 , a large-scale initiative developed by the European Commission to enhance customs risk management and trade facilitation across the EU. Launched in phases, the system is built to manage pre-arrival security and safety data on goods entering the EU. ICS2 acts as a c...

  Key Milestones: Understanding the ICS2 Implementation Timeline For UK businesses involved in importing or exporting goods to the European Union, keeping up with regulatory changes has become more crucial than ever—especially in the wake of Brexit. One of the most important changes affecting global supply chains today is the introduction of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) . This ambitious system, introduced by the European Commission, is being rolled out in multiple phases, with significant deadlines and requirements at each stage. Understanding the ICS2 implementation timeline is essential for UK traders who want to stay compliant, avoid delays, and maintain frictionless trade with EU partners. In this article, we’ll break down the phased rollout of Import Control System 2 , highlight key milestones, and offer practical guidance on how UK businesses can prepare for each phase to minimize disruption and ensure seamless operations. What Is Import Control System 2 (ICS2)? Impor...