The government has announced a new timeline for when businesses need to be completing export declarations using the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).
CDS is replacing the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system and exporters had been due to have moved over to using it by 31 October 2023.
However, HMRC has said that is now adopting a new phased approach with selected high-volume declarants being asked to move to CDS for exports by 30 November 2023, with all other businesses being required to use it by 30 March 2024.
Businesses have been required to complete import declarations on CDS since autumn 2022.
HMRC said it came to the decision to change the timelines for migration after listening to feedback from industry and that the new timeline will allow for better support to be provided for exporters migrating to CDS.
Businesses who are able to move to CDS before the first deadline, 30 November, will be contacted by HMRC or their software developer in September.