Whether you’re migrating from CFSP Data Interchange, coming from an alternative system or completely new to electronic import/export declarations, there are a number of steps to take to get ready to use the system.
Prepare yourselves
Register for an EORI for CDS
Request and be aware of your authorisations and licenses
Check with Customs (cdoenquiries@hmrc.gov.uk) that there are no ‘inhibits’ for your deferment in CDS
Ensure you’re running Vision Bond version 5.6.7+
Prepare your customers
Any of your customers with their own deferment will also need to do the following before you’re able to switch systems, they should:
Register for CDS and follow the ‘get access’ instructions
Set up a Direct Debit for a Duty Deferment Account. If their Direct Debit Instruction does not require multiple signatures, they will be able to set up their Direct Debit through the Customs Declaration Service Financials Dashboard, following registration. Should they, or another partner they 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. They 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.
Ensure they’ve setup authorisation for to you to use their deferment in CDS (even if there won’t be any customs duty due on the declarations you intend to submit)
HMRC have published a series of ‘how to’ videos on You Tube which may help with some of the tasks mentioned above: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8EcnheDt1ziBi8oID_QmjGifDVAAZUpp
Migrating to CDS from CHIEF
Customers migrating from CHIEF to CDS have all been contacted by now and their go live dates scheduled. Keep an eye on our CDS Implementation page for updates as we migrate customers.
Fresh CDS integration
Customers who have not previously integrated with CHIEF nor CDS can request from our support team to be setup to link to CDS: Requesting Support.
As CHIEF will be redundant shortly we will not be setting up any customers to use that system.
Testing after we’ve setup your system
HMRC run a ‘Live' environment for CDS and also a separate ‘TDR’ (Trader Dress Rehearsal) environment. The TDR environment is used for traders to test their system setup & integration prior to switching over to the ‘Live’ environment.
See Trader Dress Rehearsal for more information.