HMRC Testing CDS Exports
BY:
Emmanuel Gianquitto
12 October 2021
SHARE:
On Friday 8th Oct 21, HMRC commenced a beta testing programme of the CDS Export training ahead of CHIEF decommission in Q1-23.
A handful of selected traders participated in an intense 3-hour session on Friday morning, covering the complex structure of the Export tariff for CDS, the differences with CHIEF
and the guidance available on gov.uk.
The move to CDS is driven by a European move towards the European Union Customs Code and Data Integration Harmonisation rules, which remove the old SAD boxes. This makes CDS completely different from CHIEF.
The new Export Tariff together with the new CDS system introduces major changes to how traders submit export declarations. CDS sees the introduction of new declaration categories, additional data points required and the removal of blanket statements such as LIC99 to override licences.
To help traders, HMRC intends to launch a web portal, the CDS equivalent of the current CHIEF NES Web, to allow traders to input export declarations directly into HMRC without the need for 3rd party software. The beta testing for the new portal will extend until Apr 22.
There is extensive guidance on gov.uk to cover the changes that are being introduced such as step-by-step guides and completion rules. Nevertheless, traders will still have a significant task in upskilling their knowledge to ensure they are ready for CDS and remain compliant when submitting export declarations.
Guidance on how to navigate Volume 3 – CDS Export can be found on gov.uk
While you are here you may be interested in some Strong & Herd LLP training courses related to this topic, we offer a wide range of high quality training courses to support all importing and exporting activities.
OneCall™ Email assistance as and when required; A one-call solution for all your import, export and customs enquiries. Export help. Import help. Customs help.
Stay informed about customs and international trade matters by subscribing to our OneCall™ service. This comprehensive offering includes a dedicated email helpline for support, timely practical updates direct to your inbox (Did You Know?), monthly UK Customs & Trade Briefings and access to an interactive members' area with an exclusive community for our subscribers.
International Trade Updates & Spotlight Newsletter
Subscribe to our free information emails covering international trade topics...
MORE INDUSTRY INSIGHTS...
HMRC have advised on the action to be taken when users experience declaration error messages after the NCTS6 update on 1 st June.
HMRC have released final details of the scheduled NCTS downtime needed to support the deployment of NCTS6. The brief 2-hour period of NCTS downtime will impact both the Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI) NCTS services.
The Export Control Joint Unit has published Notice to Exporters 2026/13, dated 13th May 2026, confirming the importance of including export licence data in the Customs Declaration.
