What you can do now to prepare for CDS

If your business submits export declarations, you need to take the following steps now:

1.  Apply for an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number beginning with 'GB'. 
2. Subscribe to the Customs Declaration Service so you can submit export declarations from your software through CDS. 
3. Read the latest CDS guidance on GOV.UK, including the CDS toolkit and Key differences between CHIEF, the CDS guidance, and the introductory UK exports guide – to familiarise yourself with the Customs Declaration Service. 

Doing this early will ensure you are ready to move to CDS for exports. You don't need to register again for CDS if you've already done this. 

When will HMRC be in touch again? 

HMRC will contact you in July 2023 to ensure you can make declarations through CDS from September 2023. You must use software or the new HMRC export declaration online service. 

The HMRC export declaration service will replace the National Export System (NES) web service that some small to medium-sized businesses use to submit declarations on CHIEF. 

Before you can start making declarations 

Once prepared, you must read and understand the advice below before making export declarations through CDS. 

Wait to be contacted by HMRC or your software developer. HMRC or software developers, will contact declarants who can start submitting export declarations through CDS. 

HMRC have already started to do this with declarants who submit the highest number of export declarations using the Goods Movement Vehicle Service (GVMS) only. 

HMRC is also working with software developers to help them move export declarants who only use GVMS to CDS once their software is ready. 

What to do if HMRC or your software developer haven't contacted you before September 2023 

Only submit your export declarations through CDS if HMRC is moving export declarants to CDS in phases, depending on the type of export declaration submitted. 

You'll still need to submit a declaration through CHIEF until September 2023 for any goods that are re-routed away from a GVMS location. 

Strong & Herd CDS Resources and Training

CDS Community™ Membership

Practical and clear advice and assistance for importers , exporters , agents and those that are completing their own declarations.

CDS Clinics & Spotlight Sessions
Our clinics have been developed to give you an opportunity to ask questions and bring working examples of issues you facing surrounding the changes.

CDS Training
CDS is a major change to the way in which customs declarations are made, and this course provides detailed information on the changes.