A quick guide to preparing for CDS 11/07/22

From 1 October 2022, all UK imports will have to be cleared through Customs Declarations Service (CDS).

CDS Simple steps that must be undertaken by all importers

• Register for CDS on the HMRC website; you will need your Government Gateway ID and Password along with your EORI number
• Set up your Customs payment method:
  1. Duty Deferment Accounts
  2. Immediate Payments
     *Note, if you have a deferment account you will need to update the direct debit details
• Authorise Ligentia to use your CDS payment account (our EORI is GB100113604000)
• Confirm completion to your Ligentia Representative.
• Prepare the additional information needed to clear customs
• If your goods are subject to any licensing, license waivers or other restrictions we may need additional codes from you
• If you have a deferment account or use any special processes, such as CFSP IPR warehousing etc., we will need your Comprehensive Guarantee Number.

What CDS will mean for you

Your Broker will require more information from you about your relationship with the overseas seller of the goods.

If you pay VAT on imports at the border you will no longer receive a C79; you will have to log in monthly to get the statements. If you are using PVA we understand this will not change.

If you have your own deferment account for import duty – VAT you will need to ensure there is sufficient funds available to clear your cargo. Under CDS, once a consignment has been entered with payment to be drawn against a deferment account it cannot be changed. If there are insufficient funds then it will be incumbent on the owner of the deferment account to pay additional funds into the account before the cargo will clear. Payment can no longer be changed to another deferment account or payment method.

If you currently subscribe to MSS data you, will need to subscribe to the CDS version; details are here.

If you do not complete your registration for CDS HMRC indicate your imports will be stopped at the border from 1 October 2022.