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HMRC Exports

There are 3 methods for traders to make export declarations to the New Export System (NES)

  • E-mail channel - the delivery of EDIFACT data over an SMTP/X.400 protocol
  • Web channel - a browser based application available over the internet
  • XML channel - a delivery of EDIFACT data, wrapped inside a XML document delivered over HTTPS

E-mail and Web channels are the simplest method, however there are circumstances where the use of the XML channel is mandatory, ie CAP refunds.

The XML channel is more complex to implement and requires expert knowledge, this is where Commerce-Connections can assist.

The XML channel is a Business-to-Government (B2G) solution that integrates Traders systems with HM Customs & Excise export processing system (CHIEF). CHIEF is only supported by the data standard EDIFACT.

CHIEF is one of the largest and most advanced Customs declaration processing systems in the world. The software records the UK's international trade movements, whether by sea, land, or air and links with several thousand businesses.

The system is very secure as it requires a digital certificate which sends a digital signature on your XML document when it is submitted to the Government Gateway. The Government Gateway provides the security layer for the NES Service, both the NES Web channel and NES XML channel. The trader must register their digital certificate with the Goverment Gateway website. The digital certificate identifies the incoming submission, authenticates the Trader for use of the service, and also ensure the document sent is the same as the one received. (Thus ensuring it has not been tampered with en-route.)