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Trade flocks to CDS webinar

[ January 11, 2024   //   ]

A record number of traders attended a joint webinar by Agency Sector Management (ASM) and the British International Freight Association (BIFA) on how to prepare for the final migration to HMRC’s new CDS (Customs Declaration Service) system.

BIFA director general , Steve Parker, said that 50% of the trade association’s corporate members attended the event on 9 January.

BIFA’s member policy and compliance director, Robert Windsor, added: “The seminar provided an important update on the final preparations businesses need to make in order to ensure that their final migration to CDS for exports is successful; and delivered indicative timelines for the implementation.

ASM and BIFA also said that there had been an increase in the number of traders accessing Trader Dress Rehearsal (TDR), a HMRC test environment where users can practice submitting CDS export declarations, adding that those who practice in this manner are much more likely to migrate successfully. 

Sharon Greer, ASM general manager, added: “The seminar was organised to help address any concerns those members and users may still have about their readiness to complete the final switch to the new system, and to provide companies with advice and guidance about the implementation process.

“We have already witnessed the benefits of running sessions like these, for example following our previous CDS webinar we have seen a significant reduction in the numbers of traders leaving MUCRs (Master Unique Consignment Reference, used to link multiple declarations) unclosed – a previously common problem which was contributing to preventing a smooth migration to CDS. This highlights the importance these webinars play in providing clear guidance to those who need it.”

HMRC’s will require air freight exports to begin migration to CDS in early February, followed by ocean in early March. Companies will be given three months from when HMRC tells them they can migrate to do so. There will be an exceptions process, but subject to strict conditions.

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