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ASM draws up CDS contingency plan
[ November 9, 2018 // Chris ]
Freight software firm Agency Sector Management (ASM) says it is working on contingency plans in the event that the replacement for HMRC’s CHIEF system, Customs Declaration Service (CDS) is delayed.
CDS is due to replace CHIEF) system in phases by January 2019, but there is uncertainty whether the new system will be fully ready by the intended deadline.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is now trialling a dual system that will use parts of CDS alongside parts of CHIEF until the new service is fully rolled out, and ASM says it is working closely with HMRC to ensure its Sequoia Customs clearance software is also ready at the time of the go-live.
ASM chairman Peter MacSwiney, said: “We have been working hard for more than a year now modifying Sequoia, our Customs clearance software, to support these huge changes, but many features in the new system are yet to be made available which means delays are likely.”
He added: We will continue doing all we can to support businesses through the transition, as well as consulting with HMRC to ensure industry concerns are properly taken into account.”
He added: “A lot of standing data and business rules have not been uploaded nor tested in CDS yet, and it is our experience that it takes a lot of time to test and ‘tweak’ these to make them work properly, meaning HMRC deadlines may be missed.”
“As the CDS roll-out continues, we will continue with upgrades to Sequoia until we are satisfied that everything is working well and meets the industry’s requirements, and we are also working closely with HMRC to ensure the success of this project.”