The Customs Declaration Service (CDS) is a service provided by HMRC set to replace the existing CHIEF system for imports and exports, more information can be found on https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/customs-declaration-service. This means that our existing CFSP module (handling customs imports) will eventually be made redundant. As such we've been integrating Vision Bond with CDS with the intention to switch customers over to the new system as soon as we are ready and as soon as HMRC are ready for us to do so.
The new system is entirely XML / HTTP based which means we can communicate more efficiently with the service, in a more user friendly manner compared the CFSP system. CDS similar to the ATWD module, in that it does not require users to be copying / pasting files and EDIFACT messages manually; messages are sent and received at the press of a button.
The new Vision Bond CDS module will handle the same transactions as the CFSP module currently does. However we have included all fields from the HMRC specification which will in theory allow users to submit any type of declaration for all types of goods.
The CDS implementation has been broken down and phased in gradually by HMRC, initially they focused on delivering imports functionality, this is now all live and they are now looking at exports functionality. Our intention is to also submit an export pre-entry which we will begin working on as soon as the imports side is live and then look at what other messages would also be worthwhile integrating.
Timeline
The CDS project from their side has however suffered several issues and delays, and we have often found ourselves waiting for responses from HMRC in order to progress the integration so dates are not certain, the current expected timeline is as follows:
CFSP to CDS migration | |
Milestone | When |
VB v5.5.0 released CDS customs duty payments ready, CPC:
| May 2021 |
Trader Dress Rehearsal Preparation and completion with first customer. | June/July 2021 |
First customer go live | 2021 Q3 |
On board remaining customers Moving customers off of CFSP on to CDS for all 0771 declarations. | By end 2022 Q2 Due to the close proximity of the milestone above with Christmas, it’s expected that this milestone will be worked towards during 2022 with an aim to complete by this date. |
CDS integration expanded | |
Milestone | When |
Exports pre-entry capability, CPCs:
| End 2021 (subject to HMRC readiness) |
Expansion of System for Customs Only Warehouses | Under Discussion for implementation Q1, 2022 |
Import Declarations | Tentative that this may be done but we currently have no intentions of becoming a replacement shipping company which are generally used for these types of submissions. |
Other message submissions, being assessed | TBC |
Q&As
Q: Is there anything we need to do to be ready for CDS? A: Users can begin signing up for the new service, apart from that we will update this page or contact you with the requirements when we have them.
Q: Is there anything our customers need to do to prepare for us using CDS? Yes, Register for CDS and follow the ‘get access’ instructions, then Set up a Direct Debit for a Duty Deferment Account. If your Direct Debit Instruction does not require multiple signatures, you will be able to set up your Direct Debit through your Customs Declaration Service Financials Dashboard, following your registration. Should you, or another partner you work with, continue to use CHIEF for other goods movements, please do not cancel your CHIEF Direct Debit Instruction. Two separate Direct Debits are required – one for CHIEF declarations, and a separate one for CDS declarations. You will not be charged twice for the same liability. Once registered for CDS, all accounting information can be viewed on your customs financial accounts dashboard.
Q: What is the deadline for switching from CFSP to CDS? A: There isn't one currently, it was originally set to early 2019 but due to delays and Brexit preparations this never happened.
Q: Will the CFSP module become redundant in VB v5.5.0? A: No, VB v5.5.0 will include both CFSP and CDS and either can be used.