At the same time, HMRC has updated the guidance on gov.uk to assist traders already using CDS for exports. The guidance can be accessed here:

Navigate the CDS Declaration Instructions for Exports

CDS Declaration Completion Instructions for Exports

HMRC has also published a new tab to the workaround document containing three updates to CDS exports. The document can be accessed here:

Known error workarounds for the Customs Declaration Service (CDS)

HMRC says that these workarounds are being provided to support traders using CDS while it is still in the final stages of its development. 

For the live service, there are two updates, which confirm:

• Declarants must include the full Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) details within their CDS Exports Declaration for goods exiting via a GVMS location; otherwise, GVMS will reject the GMR (Goods Movement Reference) when the declaration (DUCR) reference is used.

• Declarants and consolidators must not create CDS Master Unique Consignment References (MUCR) for goods exiting via a GVMS location. 

For the TDR service, there is one update which confirms the following:

• What to expect when submitting movement/consolidation messages in the Trader Dress Rehearsal (TDR) for a MUCR or declaration that does not exist in CDS. 

Here are the details:

Simplifying the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) Exports Journey #1

Issue

Currently, GVMS will only accept declarations that contain full GVMS details within a Goods Movement Reference (GMR). If the Export declaration does not include these details, the GMR will be rejected by GVMS. 

A change is planned to allow all declaration types (excluding Types Y and Z) to be accepted in a GMR. This will simplify the GVMS Exports journey.

Workaround

Until this change is delivered, export declarants must cancel any export declarations routed via GVMS locations if they do not contain the full GVMS details. A new declaration with the full GVMS details should then be submitted.

Simplifying the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) Exports Journey #2

Issue

Currently, GVMS does not accept Master Unique Consignment References (MUCRs). If a consolidation exists and the trader does not have authorised consignor and authorised consignee (ACC) status, they are required to enter all Declaration Unique Consignment Reference (DUCR) level details within the GMR. However, this causes further issues as the departure message is rejected, resulting in the expected trade notification not being generated. 

A change is planned to ensure that consolidated DUCRs are not rejected while attempting departure of the goods via GVMS.

Workaround

Until this change is delivered, declarants and consolidators are advised not to create CDS MUCRs for goods exiting via a GVMS location. 

There is also an easement currently in place for some ACCs that allows the use of Transit Accompanying Document Movement Reference Numbers (TAD MRNs) in the GMR and the use of the Additional Information (AI) statement within the declaration.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-a-goods-movement-reference

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-goods-out-of-great-britain-through-common-transit-countries

CDS Exports Testing in the Trader Dress Rehearsal (TDR) Environment

Issue

Currently, in CDS's Trader Dress Rehearsal (TDR) service, no responses are being returned for movement/consolidation messages being submitted for a MUCR or declaration that does not exist in CDS. 

A change is planned within CDS's TDR environment to facilitate testing.

Workaround

Until this change is delivered, declarants are only able to execute DUCR level testing in CDS TDR. Declarants should be aware that you will not receive a response if you attempt to carry out any testing involving a MUCR.

If you are interested in exploring this topic further, you might find it worthwhile to consider the training courses and live clinics offered by Strong & Herd LLP: