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 transaction 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 them in order to progress the integration so dates are not certain, the current expected timeline is as follows:
Milestone | When |
|---|---|
VB v5.5.0 CDS customs duty payments ready, CPC:
| May 2021 Awaiting go ahead for ATWD traders from HMRC. As soon as we have the go ahead we’ll begin phasing a selected existing customer across from CFSP to CDS. |
Remaining customers on boarded | After the first customer(s) have bedded in and remaining customers are ready to upgrade and move across |
Exports pre-entry completion, 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: 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.