EXPP5140 - Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) export declarations: sending messages

Note: This manual is under review following Brexit and is likely to be withdrawn. If there is anything within this manual you use regularly, please email hmrcmanualsteam@hmrc.gov.uk to let us know. Please check the other guidance available on GOV.UK from HMRC.

General electronic messages of up to one screen can be sent and received via message queues (mail boxes). Messages are addressed by security role and are held in a message queue for the security role. You or anyone else using the same security role can read the messages at your convenience. Once a message is retrieved from the queue for display it is deleted from the queue. It is important therefore that if you need a copy you take a screen dump while it is on the screen.

Manual arrival and departure messages

If the exporter/agent is unable to provide an electronic arrival and/or departure message they can provide a paper declaration and commercial documents. This will contain all the relevant details (including the data elements incorporated within the Goods Arrival Message) together with Form C1601 and must be presented to Customs to be input to CHIEF before Customs gives Permission to Progress. Details are to be faxed to the NCH.

For goods departure messaging, information must be supplied using the C1601 within 12 hours of the departure time of the exporting vessel/aircraft.

Paper documents will only be accepted by the NCH for input of arrival/departure messages.