Q: I import about £50 million worth of goods for retail into the UK each year and know that there is a new customs declaration system coming into force from October 1. Is there anything that could trip us up?
A: The key thing to remember about the HMRC customs declaration service (CDS) is that if you’ve not registered by October 1, you may not be able to import any goods into the UK. At the start of last month HM Revenue & Customs said about 3,500 businesses had yet to make the move, which can take several weeks to set up.
HMRC has communicated the steps that businesses need to take to prepare for the change. It’s anticipated that the present 30-year-old system —
