This article was published before we became the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade on 10 July 2024, and this is reflected in references to our old brand and name. For more information about us becoming Chartered, visit our dedicated webpage on the change here.

A new ‘customs procedure code’ will facilitate the faster movement of goods through smaller ports, an international trade and customs expert has said.

Customs procedure codes (CPCs) are entered onto customs declarations to identify the customs and/or excise regimes which goods are being entered into and removed from (where this applies).

The government has written to traders about the new CPC that is being made available for testing in the current CHIEF testing system.

Background

Due to the lack of physical space at some ports, there is no capability to run physical checks on consignments within the port and checks have to be carried out at alternative locations.

This requires the trader or their intermediary to submit an ‘arrived’ exit summary declaration in CHIEF before the goods reach the port.

New code

The new code – 10 00 056 – allows traders or their intermediaries to enter an ‘arrived’ Export Full Declaration (EFD) in CHIEF, if they are:

  • Exporting goods via any transport mode through Dover, Holyhead or Eurotunnel
  • Exporting goods from GB via roll-on-roll-off (RoRo) via a non-inventory linked port

The code will be available to use in the main CHIEF platform from 1 October 2021.

Traders and intermediaries need to ensure software is compatible with this new code from 1 October 2021.

'Flow quicker'

IOE&IT Academy Director, Kevin Shakespeare told the IOE&IT Daily Update today (4 August) that the new code will facilitate trade at smaller ports.

“Checks will be done at alternative locations, which avoids disruption at the port and allows for goods to flow quicker”, he said.

“It is imperative that traders and intermediaries are aware of this new CPC code and make the necessary system changes,” he added. “Traders also need to amend written instructions to their intermediaries to account for this new CPC code”.

Support

With the UK’s border rules and processes continually changing since Brexit, international trade and customs can be difficult for businesses to navigate.

The Institute of Export and International Trade supports traders by providing training courses and in-depth practical support for business implementing these new changes, please visit our training and consultancy sections.