The Customs Declaration Service (CDS) is a service provided by HMRC set to replace the existing CHIEF system for imports and exports which is due was closed for import declarations on 30 September 2022, 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) is now redundant.

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 to the CFSP system. CDS is 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 handles the same transactions as the CFSP module does. However, we have included all fields from the HMRC specification which means we can now support all types of goods and will allow us to in future submit other declaration types.

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:

To see the new module please visit CDS Data Interchange and its sub-pages.

Q&As

1. Q: Is there anything we need to do to be ready for CDS? A: See Preparing for CDS | Prepare yourselves

2. Q: Is there anything our customers need to do to prepare for us using CDS? A: See Preparing for CDS | Prepare your customers