CDS Switchover: Exporter Deadline

Background

Exporters using systems ran by CHIEF will soon need to be switched to CDS systems by 30 November 2023. Currently, only certain export declarations can be made through CDS, however in September this year, CDS is scheduled to open for making export declarations on all routes.

Timeline

Earlier in the year, HMRC issued the following timeline:

• From late February 2023 – export declarants that only move goods through ports in the UK that use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) – also known as non-inventory linked ports – will be contacted with details of how to start making export declarations through the Customs Declaration Service using third-party software. Declarants that use Designated Export Place (DEP) movements will need to wait until September 2023.
• From May 2023 – we will contact export declarants that currently use the National Export System (NES) web service to submit export declarations on CHIEF to let them know how to start making export declarations through the Customs Declaration Service using our new ‘Make an export declaration’ online service.
• From September 2023 – export declarants using inventory-linked ports and DEPs will be contacted with details of how to start making export declarations through the Customs Declaration Service using third-party software. All routes will be open for making declarations from September 2023.
• After 30 November 2023 – all export declarations need to be made through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).

Checklist

If you have not already done so, you can carry out the following steps to prepare your business for making export declarations through the Customs Declaration Service:

• Apply for an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number beginning with ‘GB’.
• Subscribe to the Customs Declaration Service so you will be able to submit export declarations from your software through the Customs Declaration Service.
• Read the latest Customs Declaration Service guidance on GOV.UK – including the updated Customs Declaration Service Toolkit and ‘Key differences between CHIEF and the Customs Declaration Service’ guidance and the introductory UK exports guide.

If you have any concerns or queries regarding the CDS exporter switchover, contact HMRC or contact our team.