CDS Exports

June 1st, 2023

All export declarations are moving from our Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system to the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) by 30 November 2023.

As you are aware, some Members are able to transition and submit their customs declarations using CDS Export. However, a number of declarants are still not able to fully utilise the CDS Export functionality.

What you can do now to prepare for CDS If your business submits export declarations only, you should now:

1. Apply for an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number beginning with ‘GB’.

2. Subscribe to the Customs Declaration Service so you will be able to submit export declarations from your software through CDS.

3. Read the latest CDS guidance on GOV.UK – including the CDS toolkit and Key differences between CHIEF and the CDS guidance and our introductory UK exports guide – to familiarise yourself with the Customs Declaration Service.

Doing this early will make sure you’re ready to move to CDS for exports.