Digitising Import and Export Declarations

After five years of preparation, the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) has replaced the Customs Handling Imports and Export Freight (CHIEF) platform – replacing a paper-based system with a digital platform.

Customs Agents will need to learn the CDS Data Elements and completion rules, which completely replace the now obsolete Single Administrative Document (SAD) form or C88, the Electronic Accompanying Document (EAD), and all the old reports such as the E2 or the S8.

The Customs Clearance – Accredited Agent certification has been created by APMG International and ChamberCustoms®. ChamberCustoms is wholly owned by the British Chambers of Commerce and offers customs clearance, training, and consultancy to help keep UK businesses compliant and efficient when trading internationally.

Their instructors are hands-on and have been involved in the CDS testing and development since its beginning, working closely with HMRC, software developers, and CSPs.

They are proud to be known as CDS trailblazers, amongst the first agents in the UK to submit live import and export declarations on CDS.

Training is available directly from ChamberCustoms and the exam (arranged by ChamberCustoms) can also be taken online at a date and time convenient to the candidate, using a secure, online proctoring service via APMG.

To book an exam please visit the ChamberCustoms website, where the training and exam are available to purchase as a bundle.

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Who is the Customs Clearance – Accredited Agent Certification for?

Our Customs Clearance – Accredited Agent Certification is for professionals working in or supporting international trade who want to ensure compliance with the UK’s new CDS system, including:

Customs agents transitioning from CHIEF to CDS.
Import/export professionals who need to complete declarations accurately under the new system.
Trade compliance officers and consultants assisting businesses in global trade.

Benefits of Customs Clearance Certification

For Individuals

Understand and apply the new CDS Data Elements and completion rules.
Replace outdated processes (CHIEF/SAD/C88) with fully digital, CDS-compliant methods.
Learn directly from experienced ChamberCustoms instructors who have been part of CDS development.
Gain recognized certification to enhance your credibility as a trained and compliant customs professional.

For Organizations

Ensure your staff are trained and certified in the UK’s new CDS platform.
Reduce errors and improve compliance in import/export declarations.
Work with ChamberCustoms, recognized CDS trailblazers, to embed best practice into your processes.
Support international trade operations with efficient, compliant customs clearance procedures.

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Customs Clearance Certification levels