Customs Declaration Service (CDS):  advice for exporters using GVMS

All export declarations will need to be completed using CDS by 30 November 2023, at which point CHIEF will no longer be available for exporters.

HMRC’s Joint Consultative Committee (JCCC), has issued new advice to users of the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) who have moved goods through a non-inventory linked port. It includes guidance on the steps they will need to take to prepare for the CDS migration and when these need to be taken.

From May 2023, the government will contact the declarants that have submitted the highest number of export declarations where only GVMS is used, as they are “confident they can start submitting export declarations through CDS.”

From September 2023, all export routes will be supported by CDS and all declarants will be able to submit their declarations using it.

The JCCC advises that if you or your software developer are not contacted before September 2023, you should not try to start moving your export declarations to CDS as CDS will not yet be working on all export routes. The government will be contacting all declarants in July 2023 with advice about how to prepare to start using the service from September 2023.

Advice for Customs Supervised Exports (CSE)

CSE is an approval for “customs supervision at a trader’s inland premises.

The JCCC has advised that CDS users will need to include an individual reference for each CDS-approved premise on their declarations. One difference between the two systems is that on CDS you will need to include an individual reference for each CSE approved premises on your declaration. CDS also currently requires a temporary process to be followed so a declaration involving a CSE approval can be successfully submitted.”

Below are details of the temporary process CSE-approved users of CDS will need to complete if using CDS before September. If you do not wish to use this process, you can continue submitting declarations through CHIEF until September 2023, at which point, HMRC will contact you with details of a permanent process.

Instructions for completing CDS using temporary process for CSE approvals

  • Your declaration must be lodged as arrived in data element 1/2
  • In data element 1/11 use additional procedure code 1CS
  • In data element 2/2 use AI code RRS01
  • In data element 2/3: Document code:  C676  Authorisation number: CSE authorisation number for the premises where the goods are being shipped from: Where you operate multi-site premises, enter the unique CSE authorisation number for each location: Ensure that the correct authorisation number is quote: For example a CDS migrated number would resemble GBCSE123456789000, whereas a date and time stamp example would look like GBCSE12345678900020211121121110
  • Data element 3/39: Authorisation Identifier: EORI number
  • When exiting via a GVMS port, declare the relevant GVMS Location Code in 5/23 instead of your inland CSE location code: (Failure to do so, will result in GVMS being unable to accept the DUCR and send the necessary message to CDS to close the export)
  • Goods cannot be removed from your CSE premises until confirmation of permission to progress is granted
  • If the export requires a physical inspection, please contact the National Clearance Hub to arrange an inspection at your CSE approved premise

Traders should continue to follow the CDS declaration completion instructions here for the rest of their export declarations and are advised to speak to their software providers to find out whether they can access the Trader Dress Rehearsal service to practice submitting export declarations ahead of the 30 November deadline.

You can continue to find the latest information about CDS by visiting the Customs Declaration Service collection page on GOV.UK.

CDS: Preparing for export declarations

The government has advised that businesses involved in submitting export declarations can take the following steps to prepare for the 30 November deadline:

  1. Apply for an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number beginning with ‘GB’
  2. Subscribe to the CDS so you will be able to submit export declarations from your software to the CDS
  3. Read the latest CDS guidance on gov.uk – including the ‘CDS toolkit’ and ‘Key differences between CHIEF and the CDS’ guidance and our introductory UK exports guide – to familiarise yourself with CDSTOM risk categorisations published

Information supplied above from Institute of Export.

IOE&IT MemberCon23

The move to CDS and how businesses can make the most of the UK’s free trade agreements are among the topics being discussed at IOE&IT MemberCon23 in Liverpool on 5 July.

As well as being an opportunity to meet and network with fellow trade professionals, this year’s MemberCon event will also include Q&A clinics in which you can put your customs and trade questions to the IOE&IT’s industry-leading team of experts.

For more information, visit www.export.org.uk/membercon_23.

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