HMRC announced a staged approach to the deadline to move across to the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) for exports to allow businesses more time to prepare and ensure IT is thoroughly tested.
Some businesses may still be able to start making export declarations through CDS by Thursday 30 November 2023. All other export declarations should be made through CDS by Saturday 30 March 2024. If businesses have not already done so, they should carry out the following steps to prepare:
- Apply for an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number beginning with ‘GB’
- Subscribe to CDS to be able to submit export declarations to CDS
- Using Movement Reference Numbers (MRNs) for export arrival movements on CHIEF should be stopped. Instead, a Declaration Unique Consignment Reference (DUCR) or a Master Unique Consignment Reference (MUCR) should be used.
The latest CDS guidance, CDS Toolkit, ‘Key differences between CHIEF and CDS’ guidance and introductory UK exports guide provides detailed information on Customs Declaration Service. Businesses can provide their preferred email address to receive updates about CDS.
