Agency Sector Management is working on contingency plans for businesses affected by the new UK’s Customs Declaration Service in case full roll-out of the new system is delayed.
CDS is due to replace the current Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system in phases by January 2019, but there is uncertainty whether the new system will be fully ready by the intended deadline.
HM Revenue & Customs is now trialling a dual system that will use parts of CDS alongside parts of CHIEF until the new service is fully rolled out. ASM is working with HMRC to ensure its Sequoia Customs clearance software is also ready at the time of the go-live.
“We have been working hard for more than a year now modifying Sequoia, our Customs clearance software, to support these huge changes, but many features in the new system are yet to be made available which means delays are likely,” said Peter MacSwiney, ASM chairman.
“We will continue doing all we can to support businesses through the transition, as well as consulting with HMRC to ensure industry concerns are properly taken into account.”
