We chose the financial section to show changes for the forthcoming transition from one customs system to another, you can see more videos at HMRC YouTube.
The Customs Declaration Service (CDS) is the UK’s new electronic system for managing the customs process. This will replace the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system, which fully closes March 31st 2023.
The changeover will however be a phased process and if required, you should register as soon as possible. Export declarations can be made on CHIEF until March 2023 but the ability to make import declarations will end 30th September 2022.
In the longer term, CDS should bring advantages, a modern system designed to handle increased volumes of declarations and be more flexible. There will still be concerns over the change, although Dynamic are ready to help.
Our Team’s Preparation
Being in the best position to assist our clients is always Dynamic’s wish. We have invested significantly in technology and staff training on CDS. This has included industry body training and support from a leading software provider for CDS.
We were amongst the first freight agents to use the Trader Dress Rehearsal System (TDR) with a high attainment of passes. Our team were trading as a live badge on CDS 9 weeks before the go live date.
Apart from our peace of mind, this will allow us to support clients where we are fully managing the process, or where they are retaining a degree of control. Our entire staff team are trained, to help you cope with an important milestone in UK customs management.
Your Requirements
If you are not ready for the change by 1st October 2022, you will not be able to import goods into the UK. Apart from the cost of delay, there could be liability for further admin charges and storage.
Our team will advise but even where we are managing export and import for you, you are likely to need to register for the CDS before we can make declarations on your behalf. Registration can take a number of days, so please do not delay.
Registration is available online at this .gov.uk page. You will need a Government Gateway ID and password, an EORI number, your company’s unique tax reference number, essential business details such as address and foundation date.
Once registered, you can let us have details to update our records and transfer your declarations to the new system. There will also be decisions to be made on payment methods to HMRC.
There is no “ideal” payment route, with choices ranging from a postponed VAT system, to a deposit account, deferring duty, or immediate payment on individual transactions. Deciding which suits your business is the key.
Ongoing Advice
From payment approaches, to managing individual shipments, there will rightly be questions on what serves you best. Our staff are here to offer support, through direct, or phone contact, or via this email address at any time.
Alongside their video channel linked above, an HMRC overview page on CDS offers a number of useful links. From joining the scheme, to use cases and having someone else (such as Dynamic) deal with customs for you.
Learning more about a system intended to cope with the UK’s current position will be useful. Positions of course change and there may need to be adaptations but CDS as a core system is here to stay for the foreseeable future.
