Customs clearance is the declaration to HMRC that goods are entering, leaving or (in the case of bonded items) moving around the country. The customs clearance is used to indicate and trigger the payment of taxes owed on goods. HMRC also use it to collect statistical data on the countries’ imports and exports.
Customs clearance agents have links to the Government's CHIEF system to process your shipment at whichever border point the goods are arriving at. These links are unique for each airport, seaport so clearance agencies require more than one location licence.
CHIEF, which has been processing customs clearances since 1994, is being replaced by the new CDS system. From September 31st 2022, you will no longer be able to process import customs clearance declarations on CHIEF, and exports will be ceased from March 31st 2023.
Cory Brothers are up to date with the latest customs clearance processes, get in touch for more info.