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CDS still a headache, says software firm

[ January 31, 2023   //   ]

Forward Solutions managing director, Richard Litchfield, says that HMRC’s new Customs Declarations Service (CDS) is still causing problems for the freight industry, several months after its roll-out for UK imports in October 2022.

CDS will not now replace the Chief system until 30 November 2023, eight months after the original date.

He says that the delays have made for an uncertain period for the freight transport sector. Every company that deal with freight management, including software specialists such as Forward Solutions, has had a challenge with the continuous changes to the plan and has left many in the sector scratching their heads as to the next move.

Richard Litchfield commented: “The switch between CHIEF and CDS was always going to be turbulent. The previous system and way of working had been in place for many years, and, so, a six-month window for all freight companies to make the switch was an optimistic deadline.

“The choice to delay was a sensible decision from HMRC, as it gives companies more time to fully understand the new system and allow for a smoother transition, giving service providers, traders and agents like us, to develop systems and software that will work from day one, rather than a troubled launch.

“Since the start of the transition phase in September 2022, we’ve been supporting our customers with an extensive CDS knowledge resource on our website.”

Some of the delay to CDS relates to testing of the system’s functionality.

Product specialist at Forward Solutions, John Varley, added: “This delay will have a major effect on many businesses, as we, alongside everyone else, had been working towards the March 2023 deadline. Whilst the benefits of having more time to test and transition is a good thing, we need to make sure that companies across the industry have a full understanding of the new system, and the correct guidance needs to be given by HMRC, as, ultimately, delay after delay won’t fix every problem.

“We are sure that CDS will represent a great step forward, when it arrives and we will continue to work towards helping our customers prepare, with the November 2023 deadline in mind.”

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