From 1 October, you will not be able to make import declarations on the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system.
If you import goods, you need use the Customs Declaration Service. It can take time for your businesses to complete the move and the sooner you start the easier it will be.
If you already make import declarations using CHIEF, we have transferred your existing customs authorisations to the Customs Declaration Service. You do not need to apply for a new authorisation to use the Customs Declaration Service if you already hold an active authorisation. This means:
- to make declarations on Customs Declaration Service, use the reference number we have given you
- your existing authorisation letter remains valid
We will not set up any new import authorisations for CHIEF from 5 July 2022.
Find out more information about the Customs Declaration Service.
When you import bananas into the UK using Trade Tariff commodity code 0803 90 10, the weight of the consignment determines the duty due on them. This is done by:
- having the consignment weighed by an authorised weigher before making a declaration
- being authorised to use the simplified process to declare an estimated weight, and weighing the bananas after they’ve been cleared
Weighing your consignment
If you import bananas into the UK using commodity code 0803 90 10 and have to pay duty on them (dutiable bananas), you must have them weighed by an authorised weigher at the place they’re unloaded. Non-containerised (bulk) consignments are unloaded at the port. Containerised consignments of bananas are unloaded from the container.
A sample of each type of unit, packaging and origin will be weighed according to a set scale. An average weight will be established for each. These average weights will then be taken as representative of all the other units in the consignment.
The authorised weigher will produce weight certificates confirming the weight of your consignment, and this determines your duty liability.
Becoming an authorised weigher
An authorised weigher is an economic operator who’s been authorised by customs for weighing bananas and producing weight certificates.
To become an authorised weigher of bananas you must:
- have no serious infringement or repeated infringements of customs and tax legislation – this includes no record of serious criminal offences relating to your economic activities
- be involved in the import, carriage, storage or handling of fresh bananas falling within commodity code 0803 90 10 that are subject to import duty
- provide assurance that weighing operations will be performed correctly
- have access to appropriate and maintained weighing equipment
- maintain accurate records so customs can carry out controls
- give customs advance notice of all weighing operations – including details of the:
- type of packaging
- origin
- time and place of weighing
You can get a form to apply to become an authorised weigher by emailing belfast.pcateam@hmrc.gov.uk.
Entering bananas into free circulation
Release your consignment into free circulation by declaring your banana weight certificates on your customs entry under document code ‘C046’.
If you do not have your weight certificates then you must be approved for the simplified procedure.
Simplified procedure for banana imports
If you cannot have your consignments weighed before your declarations are accepted by customs, you must get an authorisation to use the simplified procedure.
You’ll then be able to declare your consignments before the certificates have been produced by using Customs Procedure Code (CPC) 06 10 900.
You’ll have to provide a provisional weight. You can work this out using weight certificates from a previous consignment.
The provisional weight will be used to calculate the initial duty liability. The liability must either be paid outright or secured before your consignments can be released.
Although this is a simplified procedure, you still have to make a full declaration (IIFD) in line with CPC 06 10 900.
You have 10 days from the date your declarations are accepted to get your consignments weighed and to submit your certificates to belfast.pcateam@hmrc.gov.uk. Make sure you include an amendment to correct the provisional weight and duty liability.
Getting authorisation to use a simplified procedure
Apply for authorisation to use a simplified procedure by completing form C&E48.
To be given authorisation you must:
- have no serious infringement or repeated infringements of customs and tax legislation, including no record of serious criminal offences relating to your economic activities
- where applicable, have procedures in place for handling licences and authorisations granted in accordance with commercial policy measures or the trade in agricultural products
- ensure that relevant employees know how to tell HM Revenue and Customs about compliance difficulties
- where applicable, have procedures in place for dealing with import and export licences connected to prohibitions and restrictions, including how to identify any goods subject to these measures to ensure compliance
Comprehensive guarantee
If you regularly use the simplified procedure you may want to apply for a comprehensive guarantee.
Small one-off consignments
If you’re importing a one-off consignment of dutiable bananas and you do not hold an authorisation to enter simplified declarations, you can declare your consignment under inward processing using the Authorisation by Declaration procedure.
You can only apply for this procedure 3 times a year and the customs value of the consignment must not be more than £500,000.
It’s also subject to the declaration of a provisional weight and a guarantee, plus the 10 day time limit.