Exporters - HMRC CDS Exports Migration Announcement

HMRC has contacted the CIOT and other stakeholders to alert exporters to a change in the implementation date for processing exports via CDS as follows:

All export declarations must be made on CDS from 30 November 2023 

We have previously said that all export declarations needed to be made on CDS by 31 March 2023, after consultation with the border industry, we are now changing this deadline to 30 November 2023. 

This decision has been taken for two reasons: 

• Consultation with border stakeholders has highlighted that they would appreciate more time to help prepare their customers and software products for this change 
• It gives us the time to ensure that all IT critical functionality is delivered and thoroughly tested with industry partners, including ensuring that the right level of support is put in place for export declarants and their industry bodies. 

There is no immediate action to be taken and we will provide further information about the timeline for CDS exports by the end of January 2023.  

Key messages for cascade to members and customers  

• The exports deadline for the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) is changing from 31 March 2023 to 30 November 2023.   
• This will ensure businesses have enough time to prepare and the right level of support is put in place to help them move across. 
• CDS offers a range of benefits over the 30-year-old CHIEF system including operating both the UK and EU Trade Tariffs and offers a more resilient, reliable, and cost-effective service for import and export declarations that is adaptable to the future needs of businesses across the UK.  
• If declarants have not already done so, they can carry out the following initial steps to prepare their business for CDS: 
  • Apply for an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number beginning with ‘GB’  
  • Subscribe to CDS so you will be able to submit export declarations from your software to CDS 
  • Read the latest CDS guidance on GOV.UK - including the updated CDS Toolkit and ‘Key differences between CHIEF and CDS’ guidance and our introductory UK exports guide – to familiarise yourself with CDS.    
• HMRC will provide further information about the timeline for CDS exports by the end of January 2023. 

Businesses can also provide their preferred email address on GOV.UK to receive updates and notifications about CDS.