After listening to feedback from industry, HMRC is implementing a phased approach for businesses moving to CDS for exports.
During the first phase, HMRC and its software developers will support selected high-volume declarants to move to CDS for exports by Thursday 30 November 2023.
The second stage of this approach will see all other businesses move to CDS for exports by Saturday 30 March 2024.
This new approach will enable HMRC and delivery partners to build on the existing IT testing as well as undertake additional performance analysis while businesses with the existing IT functionality start to migrate. It will also enable HMRC and their delivery partners to better support export declarants to make a smooth migration to CDS.
CDS is replacing the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) service and provides businesses with a more user-friendly, streamlined system which offers greater functionality. CDS has been running since 2018 and is already being used for making import declarations when moving goods into the UK.
Sarah Hartley, Director of Border Change Delivery at HMRC said:
“Having worked closely with our industry partners, we’re introducing a phased approach for moving export declarations to CDS. Those businesses who have the IT functionality in place are still able to move across to CDS by Thursday 30 November 2023, ahead of the majority who will now migrate at the beginning of 2024.
“Full guidance, resources and support will be available for all declarants to ensure the transition across to CDS is as smooth as possible for every business.”
Clive Brady, BWA Chairman, said:
“We fully support HMRC’s rephasing of the CDS migration.”
“Clearly HMRC have engaged with industry partners, and listened to industry partners, and on the back of this have rephased the project.”
“It is great to see that HMRC’s collaboration with the industry has worked, and does work.”
“This is a great example of why Trade Associations and HMRC need to collaborate and engage with each other.”
Declarants who are able to move to CDS by Thursday 30 November 2023 will be contacted by HMRC or their software developer in September.
