Providing Customs Declarations to HMRC
Whenever a shipment is imported to, or exported from, the UK, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) requires a Customs Declaration to be completed. DHL Express submits this declaration on our customers’ behalf for all shipments sent on our network.
HMRC has introduced a new platform called the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) to replace the old platform called Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF). DHL will continue to submit declarations on behalf of all customers but if you have a deferment account or operate special customs procedures, further action is needed by existing and new DHL Express customers.
What do I need to do so DHL can submit customs declarations on my behalf?
If you do not hold a duty deferment account, or any other Customs approvals or guarantees, you do not need to do anything and DHL will automatically submit Customs Declarations on your behalf.
If you use Special Procedures such as Inward Processing or Customs Warehousing we will need your authorisation numbers and guarantee references. Please send the authorisation reference(s) and associated guarantee reference(s) to UKImpCMF@dhl.com for Imports and UKExpCMF@dhl.com for Exports.
Important : Exporters of controlled goods, such as those subject to Strategic Export controls, International Conventions, or Customs special procedures must pre-advise our export department via UKExportPreAlert@dhl.com, including waybill numbers, licence or permit details, or any other non-standard requirement to ensure a compliant declaration is completed.
To make import declarations on your behalf in CDS, you will need to review your set-up and authorise DHL to apply charges to your account. To do this, please follow the steps below:
1. Register for CDS, set up a new Direct Debit Instruction and authorise DHL to use your duty deferment account:
a. Login to CDS or register at www.gov.uk/guidance/get-access-to-the-customs-declaration-service following the ‘get access’ instructions. Note – you will need a HMRC Government Gateway Account. It is likely someone in your business will already have this, most likely the person in your business/finance team that is responsible for VAT. If your business does not already have an account, click ‘Create Sign in Details’ to create a new account.
b. Set up a Direct Debit for a Duty Deferment Account. If your Direct Debit Instruction does not require multiple signatures, you will be able to set it up through your CDS Financials Dashboard, following your registration. If multiple signatures are required, the original completed form must be sent to HMRC.
c. Add DHL International (UK) Ltd to your account authorities and authorise use of your deferment account by adding DHL’s EORI GB751812341004 to your CDS Financials Dashboard. www.tax.service.gov.uk/customs/manage-authorities/manage-account-authorities
2. Contact DHL Express on UKImpCMF@dhl.com to confirm your set-up in CDS.
Please note: Your business may have already actioned steps 1a and 1b following communication from HMRC, in which case please simply follow step 1c and 2. You will be able to see your status on the Financials Dashboard. If the account isn’t showing you will need to follow all 4 steps, if it is showing but has an inhibited status, then you will need to follow 1b onwards and if it is showing and is not inhibited then you just need to follow steps 1c and 2.
HMRC have also put together a series of ‘how to’ videos, you can find these here.
