CML Celebrates CDS Success

In 2018, it was announced that the existing Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight system (CHIEF) was to be replaced with the introduction of CDS in early 2019.  With the growing number of imports to the UK and increasing use of simplified procedures and Customs Warehousing, CHIEF struggles to cope with the volume of transaction data at peak times and this volume is only set to increase going forward.

As an expert logistics provider, CML was asked by its duty management software supplier, DataFreight, and HMRC, to help in the early stages of testing and, with the assistance and support of one of CML’s customers, Overland Shoes Limited, CML has become one of the first brokers to commence the processing of customs entries through the new system, CDS.

Steve MacKenzie, Senior Duty Management Analyst at DataFreight, commented, “DataFreight was one of five software developers asked by HMRC to assist in the testing of the new Customs Declaration Service (CDS). We needed a partner with a proven track record of compliance, technical knowledge, and expertise to work with us and HMRC to progress the nationwide implementation of CDS. CML was an obvious choice for this project and was one of the first few companies to successfully submit ‘live’ customs entries on the new system.”

At the time of going to press, CDS declaration can only be made against removals from Customs Warehousing, with “home use” entries to follow before the export transactions become included in due course. As an expert logistics provider, CML has always strived to be at the forefront of any technological advances and to provide innovative solutions for its customers. Being one of the first traders to be live on CDS, has further demonstrated the capabilities and expert knowledge of its customs team, to ensure that CML is, once again, ahead of the curve.