CDS, CHIEF and MRN are core terms in UK customs. CDS (Customs Declaration Service) is the current GB customs declaration system, the successor to the older CHIEF. The MRN is a unique reference assigned to a declaration, used to track the movement and tie it to the GMR at the border.
A short glossary
- CDS — the current GB customs declaration system (import and export).
- CHIEF — the older system, replaced by CDS.
- MRN — the declaration reference number, the key to clearance status.
How they connect a CDS declaration generates an MRN, and the MRN goes into the GMR in GVMS so the driver can cross the border.
We prepare declarations and the GMR as part of the haul. See customs clearance and destinations.
