BIFA comments on phased approach to CDS export

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have announced a new phased approach for businesses moving export declarations to the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), having listened to feedback from industry.

In its first stage, HMRC and its software developers will support selected high-volume declarants to move to CDS for exports by Thursday 30 November 2023. During the second stage, we can expect to see all other businesses move to CDS for exports by Saturday 30 March 2024.

This new approach will enable HMRC and delivery partners to develop existing IT testing and undergo additional performance analysis while businesses with the existing IT functionality start to migrate. Additionally, it will also permit HMRC and their delivery partners to better support export declarants in order to make a smooth migration to CDS.

Steve Parker, Director General of the British International Freight Association (BIFA) is commenting thus:

“CDS has been a long-time in the making, and there has been a number of changes in the implementation timetable. This revision to the deadline for businesses to move export declarations via the CDS system is quite short and any business must continue to work towards transitioning from CHIEF to CDS, as a large proportion of BIFA members are already doing.

“Today’s announcement provides clarity to the trade and shows that HMRC has been listening to the ongoing lobbying on the subject that has been done by BIFA, and others.

“BIFA members now have clear time frames and should ensure that they have their own implementation plans, as well as test the system wherever possible. The trade association will continue to engage with HMRC on behalf of our members, as well as request that the department provides webinars and training materials to help with the revised implementation timetable”.

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