UK CDS Exports: Less Than Two Weeks To Move!

🚀 FINAL INSTRUCTIONS: Move to CDS Now 🚀

Businesses in the UK involved in Exports have less than a month to transition your export declarations from our Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system to the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). Find out all you need to know now.

The deadline for this transition is Tuesday, June 4, 2024. After this date, unless granted permission by HMRC, you will no longer be able to submit new customs declarations through CHIEF.

If you are exporting out of the UK, it's imperative to migrate your export declarations to the CDS promptly to ensure uninterrupted exporting of goods.

Here's what you need to do:

1. If you haven't already, obtain an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number starting with ‘GB’.

2. Subscribe to the Customs Declaration Service to facilitate export declaration: Declaration submission from your software. If you're already subscribed to CDS for imports, no additional subscription is required for exports.

3. Coordinate with your software provider to authorise your software for submitting export declarations through CDS and begin utilising their software for accessing the free Trader Dress Rehearsal.

4. If you lack a software provider, contact us to help you find an offering CDS exports software.

5. Once comfortable submitting export declarations in the Trader Dress Rehearsal Service, transition to submitting all your export declarations through CDS.

6. Where questions remain, contact Customs Manager Ltd for export customs declaration services support and training.

Make and Manage an Export Declaration Online

You can apply for HMRC's new 'Make and Manage an Export Declaration Online' which is free and replaces the NESweb service utilised by small and medium-sized businesses for submitting export declarations through CHIEF.

Outsource it

Alternatively, you have the option to engage a professional or business to handle customs declarations on your behalf, just like Customs Manager Ltd.

Limited exceptions are available

You can apply for a one-month exception period if you cannot transition to the CDS by June 4, 2024, due to an unresolved HMRC IT issue impeding your migration. Exceptions will solely be granted for HMRC IT issues, not for other reasons such as business preparation or difficulty with workarounds.

To apply for an exception, email chiefextension@hmrc.gov.uk with the following information:

- Business name

- Contact details, including name and phone number

- Business' EORI number

- Reason for applying for an exception

- Confirmation of attempted migration and reasons for unsuccessful attempts, including any correspondence from HMRC

- Any other relevant supporting information

Applications should be submitted promptly for assessment before the June 4, 2024, deadline. You'll have until July 4, 2024, if granted an exception, to complete the transition.

Guidance and Resources for the transition to CDS

Find guidance and resources here

• Step-by-Step Guide for preparing to file Export declarations with CDS and explanations of what is changing under CDS for exports:

• HMRC's CDS export guide

• A declarant checklist

• Example export declarations

• Instructional videos on how to make a successful Export Declaration, using CDS

• Known error workarounds

Contacts & For further assistance

For inquiries or assistance with CDS and transitioning your exports, contact us at info@customsmanager.org

Reporting to HMRC

Report any issues when using the CDS on GOV.UK, urgent problems will receive a response within two hours, with all other issues addressed within 24 hours.

Training on CDS

Get trained up to CDS with our training offer. See www.customsmanager.org/events for details.