CDS is coming – We’re ready – are you?
As you may or may not know, after 30 years the CHIEF customs processing system will be turned off in two phases and we need to migrate across to CDS before these closures.
Closure of CHIEF
Import – after 30/09/22 import declarations close on CHIEF
Export – after 31/03/23 export declarations close on CHIEF
As Trafertir prepares for the migration from CHIEF to CDS, there are things that you will be required to do in order to ensure a smooth transition.
Clearance using PVA
If you elect to use PVA and Trafertir already holds your Authority to Customs Clear as Agent (ACCA) then you will NOT be required to take any further steps and Trafertir shall continue to clear your goods as usual. If you are accounting for VAT using Postponed VAT accounting, you will need to access your postponed VAT statement via the Customs Declaration Service.
Clearance, using you own Deferment Approval Number (DAN)
If you have your own deferment account for clearance, it’s very likely you will need to set up a new Direct Debit Instruction (DDI) or link your EORI with CDS. All changes need to be made via the Government Gateway login. We have attached two document links which go into a bit more detail, please read these carefully to ensure you fully understand what is required.
You will also need to re-authorise Trafertir (or other freight forwarding companies you work with) to use your deferment account. This is done in the Customs Declaration Service Finance Dashboard.
You can also choose:
- Cash account – these replace the Flexible Accounting System (FAS), and you’ll be set up with one once you’ve registered for the Customs Declaration Service
- Immediate payment by BACS, CHAPS, online or by telephone banking – you can pay by debit, corporate credit card or cheque
- Individual guarantee – you can use these to cover customs duties for one-off or high value imports
- General guarantee account – this allows you to provide multiple guarantees from the same account, and continue importing goods into the UK and pay a disputed amount later once agreed
Duty Deferment Account Migration
As it states in the document, CDS uses a separate HMRC bank account to CHIEF and a new CDS DDI may be required. CHIEF DDI should not be cancelled – this is to settle outstanding CHIEF payments.
As Trafertir declare on your behalf and use your Duty Deferment Account (DDA), you will need to authorise a new DDI for CDS. This is simply because CHIEF & CDS use 2 separate bank accounts (therefore the same DDI cannot be used). The same DDA will be used, and the same liability will not be taken twice.
Link to setting up DDI for CDS
Please note – Trafertir has already set up a new CDS DDI. If your customers use Trafertir DDA, there will be no action required by them.
New Cash Account
FAS is being replaced by New Cash Account for CDS declarations. You will need to register for CDS and you will be automatically issued with a Cash Account. You can pay funds into your own Cash Account and authorise your Agent to use the Account on your behalf.
Link for CDS registration
For more informaion please contact our customs department at customs@trafertir.com or your local Trafertir representative.
Trafertir Group
International Transport | Customs Clearance | Customs Warehousing | Storage | Distribution