The current United Kingdom Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) will be replaced by the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) system. His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced the next stage of the transition for the new United Kingdom Customs system, the Customs Declaration System (CDS). The transition plan is continuously evolving and has seen timelines shift. This continues with a phased approach to the export CDS transition.

Phase one - 30 November 2023

HMRC and its software developers assist selected high-volume declarants to move to CDS, where possible.

Phase two - 30 March 2024

All other businesses move to CDS.

What Are We Seeing?

As we approach phase one, Expeditors moves customers to CDS for roll-on roll-off (RORO) traffic operating through Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) ports.

Why is RORO Traffic Moving to CDS?

For exports that move through inventory-linked ports (air hubs and deep seaports), CDS declaration data passes through the Community System Providers (CSPs). This development work is ongoing.

The decision to implement phased deployment for CDS was based on consultation with the industry and to allow “delivery partners to build on the existing IT testing as well as undertake additional performance analysis”.

Declarants can file CDS non-inventory-linked declarations for road freight departures, the final part of the deployment being inventory-linked ports. With this announcement, selected high-volume traders can file CDS inventory-linked declarations starting November 30, 2023.

What Is the Difference Between Inventory-Linked and Non-Inventory-Linked Ports? 

Temporary storage ports are locations that operate using inventory control systems; examples of such inventory systems are CCSUK, Destin8, CNS, and Pentant. If goods are moving through inventory port locations destined for export from GB, then only once the export declaration has been presented to the carrier at the loading point and indicated by the carrier’s inventory system as arrived at the frontier will the export declaration progress further. Once Customs is satisfied with their checks, a customs release on the declaration is given, and the goods can be loaded on the outbound carriage.

RORO declarations moving via pre-lodgment ports (non-inventory linked) will utilize GVMS. Once the declaration submitted has received the Movement Reference Number (MRN), the Declaration Unique Consignment Reference (DUCR) for that declaration is then loaded to a Goods Movement Reference (GMR) packet, which subsequently will be presented at the port and will allow for the dispatch process for the goods out of the UK. For more information, please find the below links:

HMRC Updates

GVMS Information for haulers, intermediaries, and drivers using short straits to move goods from the EU to Great Britain

Expeditors Customs & Compliance Services