Ensure you can continue to lodge Customs Declarations
If you haven't transferred from the Customs Handling Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) System to the new Customs Declaration Service (CDS), you risk losing the ability to import goods from the end of this month. Scroll down for the three steps you need to take to ensure you are ready to continue to lodge customs declarations.

If you have any queries please get in touch with our International Trade team by emailing internationaltrade@cambscci.co.uk or telephone 01223 237414.

Karen Cash
International Trade Team Leader
k.cash@cambscci.co.uk
Karen.jpg
Ensure you can continue to lodge Customs Declarations

Follow these three steps to ensure you are ready to continue to lodge customs declarations:

STEP 1: Subscribe to CDS
CDS is free and easy to subscribe to. Click here to subscribe.

Note: You will need to use your company's Government Gateway to log on. If you don't have one, you can obtain one very easily. However, it is likely that someone in your company - typically the finance team - will already have one. Also note, it can take five days to get access to CDS if HMRC need to do further checks.

STEP 2: Setting up duty payments on CDS
You will need to:

  • Set up a new Direct Debit to enable your Deferment Account on CDS
  • Delegate your customs agent to use your Deferment and Cash Accounts on CDS
You can complete this here.

ChamberCustoms have prepared this step-by-step guide to assist you with adding an authority to your CDS Cash account.

Should you have any issues adding authority to your CDS Cash account, please feel free to get in touch with us, and we can help you further.

Note: Your existing Deferment Account, if you have one, will work on CDS. However, you will need to set up a new Direct Debit. It is important that you don't cancel your CHIEF Direct Debit.

STEP 3: Prepare for CDS data
You will need to familiarise yourself with the additional information required when completing Import/Export declarations on CDS. In addition to the standard information, CDS will also require:

For export
Carrier information
Country of routing (to the extent known)
Gross mass
CDS references for authorisations held (IP/OP/etc.)
Nature of transaction

For import
Gross mass
Incoterms
Nature of transaction
Guarantee details (for deferment)
Relationship between buyer/seller
Commercially agreed exchange rates

Should you have any queries, please feel free to contact our International Trade team. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the switchover.


Royal Mail Strike Action

Please note that Royal Mail have announced dates for strike action. Therefore please be aware that there could be delays in us receiving any postal documentation applications and further delays in the return of your documents.

The strike dates are Thursday 8 September and Friday 9 September.


Two free webinars with expert advice from ChamberCustoms

21-day countdown: Switch to CDS Imports
Friday 9 September, 10.00am

The clock is ticking, and with only 21 days until CHIEF switches off for import declarations, you’ll want to be confident that your company is ready for these changes to avoid potential delays with your movements. Hear the latest guidance and ask your questions to our expert speakers.

Register here.

Customs Health Audit: Pain Free Testing
Tuesday 20 September, 2.00pm

In this webinar we will be discussing the basics of compliance, and how to ensure your company is fulfilling its roles and responsibilities within the HMRC customs framework. We’ll share case studies, and explain the benefits of our customs health audit, allowing for a Q&A session at the end.

Register here.


‘Growing Globally’ Networking Lunch
Wednesday 19 October, 11.45am-2.00pm
Peterborough United Football Club, London Road, Peterborough, PE2 8AL

We’ll be working with World First, Smart Manufacturing Alliance, PEM Accountants and Department for International Trade on this event.

The four entities will cover a panel discussion surrounding the latest news in the international world and how your business can grow globally.

There will also be a networking lunch which will give you time to connect with like-minded professionals, all whilst overlooking the pitch at Peterborough United.

We will also be holding a business card draw which will give you the chance to win two hospitality tickets to watch Peterborough United.

Cost: £20.00 (plus VAT) per person

Click here
to register.


TRAINING COURSES 

Understanding Exporting
Thursday 8 September, 9.30am-1.00pm

This course covers all the basic key areas around exporting. It will explain the requirements for documentation, plus an overview of country of origin and incoterms.

Understanding Importing
Tuesday 20 September, 9.30am-1.00pm

This course covers all the basic key areas around importing and will explain the requirements for documentation, plus an overview of country of origin and incoterms.

Understanding Commodity Codes
Tuesday 27 September, 9.30am-1.00pm

By attending this course we will ensure you are aware of what a commodity code is and what it is used for, understand the process of how to classify goods, successfully classify a range of goods and understand the importance of getting your commodity codes correct.

You can view the full list of all our courses on the Chamber 
website.

Courses can also be tailored to meet your company’s specific requirements. For more information about a bespoke course for your company, which can be delivered remotely or in person, please contact the Chamber on 01223 237414.

Contact the Chamber

01223 237414 •  chamber@cambscci.co.uk
Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce
Clifford House, 2 Station Yard, Oakington, Cambridge, CB24 3AH
www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk