During the first phase, HMRC says that it and its software developers will support selected high-volume declarants to move to CDS for exports by November 30th.
The second stage of this approach will see all other businesses move to CDS for exports by March 30th, 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,” writes HRMC.
CDS is replacing the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) service. The aim of the change, says HMRC, is to provide 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.
Commenting on the decision, Steve Bartlett, Chairman of Association of Freight Software Suppliers (AFSS), said:
“The AFSS and our members fully support the revised timescales for the transition of Export declarations from CHIEF to CDS. This moves away from the seasonal peak and also allows more focus to help customers migrate to NCTS5 in November. We thank HMRC for the continued collaboration and consultation with us, to ensure a successful completion of the CDS journey for everyone by the end of March 2024.”
Robert Windsor, Member Policy and Compliance Director at the British International Freight Association (BIFA), added:
“On behalf of BIFA Members, we are looking forward to the final stage of the implementation of CDS and bringing export transitioning to its successful conclusion.”
Photo: Howard Lake / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0