On 20 September 2022, HMRC announced an extension process where businesses could apply to use CHIEF for their import declarations for a short period of time beyond the 30 September deadline. The extension was in response to feedback from trade partners and to provide a little extra time to those that needed it to complete the move of their import declarations to the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). HMRC knows many of their Trade Association partners welcomed this move.

HMRC plans to close this extension process to new applications on 31 October 2022. By this date, all companies who asked for a one-month extension should be fully migrated to CDS. Declarants that applied for a longer extension will find out this week if they have been successful.

Extensions beyond 31 October 2022 have been granted only in exceptional circumstances, such as the software developer not being ready and where the applicant provided HMRC with clear plans to show when the development will be completed and when the applicant will start to use the new software. 

Where extensions have not been granted, declarants will be expected to make all their imports declarations on CDS. However, to accommodate import month-end activities these declarants will be able to continue to use CHIEF until 7 November 2022. Eligible applicants have been notified of this decision in writing.

Those declarants whose extensions have not been granted can ask for that to be reconsidered by replying to the email notifying them of the decision and providing detailed plans that demonstrate the steps required to complete the migration.  This plan will be expected to include detailed milestones and dates and demonstrate that the applicant is doing everything possible to quickly complete their migration.

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