HMRC is replacing the CHIEF system with the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). All export declarations must be made using CDS by 30 November 2023. Currently, only export declarants that exclusively use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) can start submitting export declarations through CDS. Most export declarants, including those that use inventory-linked locations, will not be able to begin submitting export declarations through CDS until September, when CDS functionality for all remaining routes becomes available. 

One difference between the two systems is that with the CDS, the exporter must include an individual reference for each CSE-approved premise on the declaration. CDS also currently requires a temporary process to be followed to enable a declaration involving a CSE approval to be submitted to CDS successfully 
 
If the exporter is looking to migrate from CHIEF to the CDS before September, detail is provided below of the temporary process that must be followed when making an export declaration involving a CSE approval through the CDS. 

If the exporter does not wish to use this temporary process to migrate to CDS, export declarations can continue to be made through CHIEF until September 2023, after which HMRC will make further contact with the trader with instructions regarding a permanent process.  

Instructions for completing a CDS declaration using the temporary process for CSE Approvals 

• The declaration must be lodged as arrived in Data Element 1/2 
• In data element 1/11 use additional procedure code 1CS 
• In data element 2/2 use AI code RRS01 
• In data element 2/3: 
• Document code:  C676 
• Authorisation number: 
• CSE authorisation number for the premises where the goods are shipped. 
• Where multi-site premises are operated, enter each location's unique CSE authorisation number. Ensure that the correct authorisation number is quoted; for example, a CDS migrated number would resemble GBCSE123456789000, whereas a date and time stamp example would look like GBCSE12345678900020211121121110.  
• Data element 3/39 
• Authorisation Identifier: EORI number 
• When exiting via a GVMS port, declare the relevant GVMS Location Code in 5/23 instead of the trader inland CSE location code. 

(Failure to do so will result in GVMS being unable to accept the DUCR and send the necessary message to CDS to close the export) 

• Goods cannot be removed from the registered CSE premises until Permission to Progress is confirmed. 

• If the export requires a physical inspection, please contact the National Clearance Hub to arrange an inspection at the CSE-approved premises. 

Continue to follow the CDS Declaration Completion Instructions for Exports guidance on GOV.UK to complete the rest of the export declaration. 

The exporter is advised to speak to their software provider to determine whether access to the Trader Dress Rehearsal service is possible to enable the test submissions of export declarations before starting to submit live declarations through CDS.  

Further information can be found by visiting the Customs Declaration Service collection page on GOV.UK. 

Strong & Herd CDS Resources and Training

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Practical and clear advice and assistance for importers , exporters , agents and those that are completing their own declarations.

CDS Clinics & Spotlight Sessions
Our clinics have been developed to give you an opportunity to ask questions and bring working examples of issues you facing surrounding the changes.

CDS Training
CDS is a major change to the way in which customs declarations are made, and this course provides detailed information on the changes.