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CDS (the Customs Declaration Service) is the British system in which customs declarations for importing and exporting goods in the United Kingdom are now lodged. It replaced the older CHIEF system. For companies this means a different way of lodging declarations, a link to the EORI number and access to a customs account and payment methods within CDS.
The Polish-language version of this article is the reference one. This is an informational translation.
What does it change in practice?
The principle of clearance itself does not change: you still need correct goods data, a tariff code, value and origin. What changes is the tool and part of the account formalities: access to CDS, methods of paying customs charges, authorisations. In practice the declarations are made by a customs agent, and the company role is to provide complete and consistent data. The number needed for declarations is covered in the text on the EORI number, and the correct goods code in the article on the customs tariff code.
How do we run it?
We handle clearance through our own customs agencies in PL and the UK within customs clearance integrated with transport. This way the CDS declaration, the security data and the vehicle movement at the border form a single process, with no gaps. Details and authorisations are confirmed for the specific case.
How to avoid delays during CDS cargo clearance?
When you declare goods for customs clearance in the CDS system, the key operational factor is the submission time of the customs instruction and the exact match of net and gross weights. The CDS system automatically processes pre-lodged declarations before the vehicle arrives at the port, but routing to specific inspection channels depends on risk assessment algorithms. If you are transporting a full trailer load weighing over 12000 kg on a 13.6 metres trailer, a discrepancy in the declared weight exceeding 5% can trigger manual verification by customs officers. In such cases, the standard release time extends from approximately 2 hours to as much as 24 hours at the port terminal.
- For groupage shipments containing from 1 pallet to 10 pallets, precise tariff classification is critical because a hold on a single item will block 100% of the consignment linked to that declaration.
- Should the consignment be routed for physical examination, customs authorities have up to 3 days to complete the physical check.
- Any errors in the commodity descriptions will require an amendment to the CDS entry and re-processing of the declaration data.
Note the boundary where these operational rules do not apply. The verification mechanisms and direct clearance procedures described for CDS do not apply when you move cargo under the Common Transit procedure (NCTS) using a T1 document. Under transit, final customs clearance does not take place at the port of entry, but at an inland office of destination or an authorised consignee location, where the transit movement is discharged following seal checks.
Step by step
- Obtain and link your EORI number. Ensure your British EORI number is active and connected to your government CDS account.
- Set up CDS payment methods. Log into your gateway account to configure authority for duty deferment or cash accounts.
- Gather accurate goods data. Collect commodity codes, commercial values, origin details, and supporting trade invoices.
- Submit documents to the customs broker. Send all prepared details to your customs agent for declaration entry into CDS.
- Receive clearance confirmation. Obtain the electronic clearance confirmation from CDS once customs releases the consignment.
Definitions
- CDS (Customs Declaration Service): The UK digital platform used for lodging import and export customs declarations.
- CHIEF (customs clearance of Import and Export Freight): The legacy UK customs system that was fully replaced by the CDS platform.
- EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification): A unique trader identification number required for customs formalities in the UK and EU.
- CDS Customs Account: A trader account within CDS used to manage duty payment methods and tax deferment options.
The OTSL role
OTSL helps businesses manage international cargo flows under the CDS requirements, ensuring that all trade documentation is complete before dispatch. When arranging road transport between the UK and continental Europe, we ensure proper coordination with customs brokers. For broader context on European border changes, you can also read about Passar: Switzerland's new customs system after e-dec. See also: Simplified customs procedure: entry in the declarant's records and simplified declaration.
Sources
Need clearance in the UK? Describe the case in the contact form and we will prepare the CDS declaration and the whole clearance.
