HMRC made the announcement this morning that, after listening to feedback from industry, they have made the decision to introduce a phased approach to CDS Exports.
During the first phase, HMRC and its software developers will support selected high-volume declarants to move to CDS for exports for non-inventory declarations by Thursday 30 November 2023. The second stage of this approach will see all other businesses, including those moving goods through inventory-linked locations, 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.
What businesses can do now
If they have not done so already, declarants can carry out the following steps to prepare their businesses for using CDS for export declarations:
- Apply for an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number beginning with ‘GB’
- Subscribe to CDS to be able to submit export declarations from software to CDS
- Read the latest CDS guidance on GOV.UK – including the CDS Toolkit, ‘Key differences between CHIEF and CDS’ guidance and our introductory UK exports guide
If they are using Movement Reference Numbers (MRNs) for export arrival movements on CHIEF, they should stop using them now. Instead, they should use a Declaration Unique Consignment Reference (DUCR) or a Master Unique Consignment Reference (MUCR) if one exists. HMRC will continue to provide information and guidance to support businesses to make export declarations through CDS.
Read the full announcement here. (Phased approach to CDS export migration announced - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
It remains vital to act today and be CDS ready. Descartes Software is CDS compliant and ready for the upcoming customs changes. We are ready to help support you through the next steps and be CDS Export ready.
Would you like to speak to an expert? – info@descartes.com
