CDS is coming! Are you ready?

BY:

Bernard O'Connor

10 August 2021

CDS nothing to fear, will you be ready? We are!

Strong & Herd have been using CDS since 2018 in the initial testing phase read on to find out how we can help ease the transition.

CDS is set to replace the current CHIEF* customs declaration system which is being phased out from September 2022.

CDS is currently used for import declarations into Northern Ireland from Great Britain and the Rest of the World, and from 1 October 2022 it will be the only system in use for import declarations into Great Britain. Exports will follow on 1 April 2023 when CDS will be the only system that can be used to make export customs declarations.

It is likely that HMRC will adopt a phased approach to the introduction of the CDS import and export modules. More information will follow in due course.

In the meantime, anyone who currently uses the CHIEF customs declaration system will need to upgrade their software systems to accommodate CDS. More importantly, current CHIEF users will need extensive training on CDS before they will be able to successfully complete customs declarations.

CDS User Training with Strong and Herd

Strong and Herd has been training people on the CDS system for over two years, with both public courses and individual bespoke training.

We cover both CDS modules – Exports and Imports, and we do it in a simple user-friendly way through our monthly half-day courses.

We also have access to CDS software solutions for training on the Trader Dress Rehearsal (TDR) service. Our technical experts are fully conversant with all aspects of the CDS system, having successfully completed a variety of different customs declarations on TDR through different software systems, and are available to train potential CDS users through their own software choices.

Don’t forget - there is no replacement for the CHIEF on-line service!

For those of you that currently access CHIEF using the free on-line service, there is no such facility within CDS. All users must have a dedicated software solution. Please see HMRC's guidance - Preparing for the Customs Declaration Service.

To enrol on an S&H CDS Public Course, please visit our website here for Exports and here for Imports.

What our delegates say......

"Step by Step approach through data elements and the categorisation of red, amber, green depending on change from current system and difficulty - also liked the referrals back to Descartes and how it would work in practice"

"Solutions and answers about import and export"

"Very clear and detailed training with plenty of scope for questions and discussion"

If you would like bespoke training on your own software system, please contact us at info@strongandherd.co.uk or on 0161 499 7000 for a quotation and suitable dates.

*CHIEF is the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight system that has been in service in the United Kingdom since 1992.

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