Are you ready for CDS? Trader's guide

8th September 2022

CHIEF, the current system for Import and Export declaration used by HMRC, is closing its doors after 30 years of service. The new Customs Declaration Service CDS is replacing it.

ChamberCustoms is running CDS and CHIEF in parallel. To ensure they can continue to assist you, they need you to register with HMRC to access CDS. 

It is important you follow the steps below to ensure you are ready to produce Customs Declarations. 

STEP 1: Subscribe to CDS

In this step, you will need to subscribe to CDS. It's free and easy to do. 

You can complete this step on the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-access-to-the-customs-declaration-service

Note: You will need to use your company's Government Gateway to log on. If you don't have one, you can obtain one very easily. However, it is likely that someone in your company - typically the finance team - will already have one.

STEP 2: SETTING UP DUTY PAYMENTS ON CDS

In this step, you will need to 

- Set up a new Direct Debit to enable your Deferment Account on CDS 

- Delegate ChamberCustoms to use your Deferment and Cash accounts on CDS

You can complete this step on the following link: 

https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/customs/payment-records/ 

We have prepared a step-by-step guide to assist you (attached)

Note: Your existing deferment account, if you have one, will work on CDS. However, you will need to set up a new Direct Debit. It is important that you don't cancel your CHIEF direct debit. 

STEP 3: PREPARE FOR CDS DATA

In this step, you will need to familiarise yourself with the additional information required when completing Import/Export declaration on CDS.

In addition to the standard information, CDS will also require: 

Export

• Carrier information
• Country of Routing (to the extent known)
• Gross Mass
• CDS references for authorisations held (IP/OP/etc.)
• Nature of transaction 

Import

• Gross Mass
• Incoterms
• Nature of transaction 
• Guarantee Details (for deferment)
• Relationship between buyer/seller
• Commercially agreed Exchange Rates

Note: We will need a copy of any authorisation letter you hold for Deferment Account and/or Special procedures (i.e. Inward Processing, Outward Processing, End Use, Customs Warehousing, Temporary Admission, etc.). If you don't have the authorisation letter to hand, please obtain a copy from HMRC as this will contain the CDS specific codes we need to quote. 

If you need any help, please let us know. We will either assist you directly or help you getting in contact with the relevant HMRC department.