UK Customs

Descartes e-Customs is an internet-based Software as a Service solution. It provides a user-friendly solution for any businesses wanting to submit import and export customs declarations using Normal or Simplified customs procedures as required today and post Brexit transition period. It is fully compliant with HMRC requirements for both CHIEF (Customs Handling of Import & Export Freight) and the CDS (Customs Declaration Service) system.

As an internet-based SaaS platform, it is accessible anytime, anywhere with an internet connection. You do not need to install or manage the software, you always have access to the latest version and you remain compliant with ever changing HMRC systems and requirements, leaving you time to focus on your business.

Descartes e-Customs streamlines the declaration process to save you time and money:

• Easy linking of initial customs declarations or Entry in Declarants Records to supplementary declarations, from one declaration to another e.g. Import to EMCS, EMCS to Export, Export to NCTS.
• Templates reduce the need for manual data entries for recurring transactions.
• Use of master data at Product Article, Addresses and other data elements to enrich the declaration.
• Use of historic declaration data.
• Copy and Clone functionality.
• Use of Excel Spreadsheets to upload data into certain modules.

See how easy it is to submit Import/Export customs declarations,
EIDR, NCTS Arrival and Departure declarations and ICS filings here.

Descartes e-Customs can be integrated with ERP / Commercial or Back Office systems, either fully or partially, with the ability to add missing data before submission to Customs.

e-Customs links to all the port systems in the UK. Functionality exists to share data with port systems, other Descartes Customs EU applications and third parties via the Descartes Global Logistics Network. Descartes can also provide Customs ID “Badges” for the Port of Dover and at ports not controlled by other port systems.

Import and Export customs declarations solutions are also available for other counties.

Descartes e-Customs provides a simple way to manage both Transit and EMCS movements using Normal or Simplified Transit procedures now and after the Brexit transition period. As a SaaS application you are always on the latest version and remain compliant with ever changing HMRC systems and requirements, giving you more time to focus on your business.

It enables Traders to streamline the declaration process to save time and money:

• Templates reduce manual data entry for recurring transactions.
• Use of master data at Product Article, Addresses and other data elements to enrich the declaration.
• Use of historic declaration data.
• Copy and Clone functionality.
• Use of Excel Spreadsheets to upload data into certain modules.
• Create Transit and EMCS movements from related customs declarations.
• Create export declarations from an EMCS movement.
• Option to integrate with ERP / Commercial or Back Office systems with the ability to add missing data before submission to Customs.

Functionality also exists to share data with port systems, other Descartes Customs applications and third parties via the Descartes Global Logistics Network.

Transit and EMCS available in multiple countries.

As goods moved between the UK and EU will be considered exports from 1 January 2021 they will be subject to the same export controls as for exports from the UK or EU to the rest of the world.

Some are already subject to Intra EU controls. These controls relate not only to military goods but also dual use technology that is not always obvious.

Under Brexit outside of the EU the UK will be free to impose its own embargoes on individuals, companies or countries and with hefty penalties. It is important for all businesses exporting to take a compliance first approach to trade.

Achieving export, import and financial trade compliance doesn’t have to be complicated with Descartes Visual Compliance.

At present classification of goods for Intra-EU traffic is confined to 6 digits under the current IntraStat reporting arrangements. However, at the end of Brexit transition period this will have to be extended to 8 digits for most exports and at least 10 digits for imports.

It is likely we will see the UK and EU tariff codes diverge beyond the Harmonised System’s first 6 digits post the Brexit transition period and there will be divergent views on tariff classification by the authorities. Unless this is covered under a post Brexit trade agreement it will mean classification of specific products are treated differently unless reconciled at the WCO, which can take multiple years.

How can a company manage their classification processes to ensure the correct rules are being applied and that they can show due diligence on any subsequent audit is a challenge and post the Brexit transition period will become more so.

Our suite of subscription solutions helps businesses classify up to 50% faster thanks to a streamlined single screen interface that allows classification sharing across an organisation. Improve efficiency, increase visibility and achieves high compliance rates, while reducing risk and duty spend with Descartes CustomsInfo.

All Descartes Customs Applications have modules to manage Customs Warehouses more effectively.

This includes management of both bonded and free circulation stock, allowing traders and warehouse operators to efficiently manage their customs warehouse and fulfil their compliance and reporting obligations with Customs today and post the Brexit transition period. With Descartes you can:

• Create stock independently or from an import declaration.
• Create import declarations or appropriate periodic reports based on outbound orders / removals.
• Use smart picking to ensure the most duty efficient stock is picked.
• Handle stock amendments and adjustments.
• Integrate with ERP / Commercial Systems or manual.

Customs Warehousing functionality is available in multiple countries – contact us for more information.

In the UK we also offer a standard Excise Warehousing solution to:

• Create stock independently or from an Import or EMCS movement.
• Link from EMCS receipt to existing stock or create stock.
• Create EMCS movements from Excise removals.
• Create and Submit W1, W5 returns and submit via ATWD.
• Integrate with ERP / Commercial Systems or manual.

Mitigate delays through UK Ports with an ETSF (External Temporary Storage Facility)

The significant increase in customs checks and declarations through UK ports for roll-on roll-off (RoRo) traffic will create delays in goods being released by UK Customs. This will impact anyone involved in just-in-time delivery of goods such as fresh produce, fast parcel deliveries, parts for manufacturing and service, medicines and large groupage loads. View this video explanation of ETSFs.

ETSF's will mitigate delays

Many companies are now looking at setting up their own External Temporary Storage Facility (ETSF) to mitigate potential delays through UK customs. ETSF’s are often located further inland away from the port or frontier. RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) traffic can exit the port quickly and the customs declarations can be conducted at the ETSF avoiding unnecessary delays.

Now is the time to act

It can take several months to set up an ETSF so now is the time to act. Descartes Pentant Community Service Provider (CSP) software is an approved CSP with an interface to HMRC’s CHIEF and the new Customs Declaration Service (CDS) for customs declarations. Descartes Pentant software will speed up the process of getting your ETSF approved by HMRC. The Descartes Pentant ETSF solution has been specifically designed for road transport operations into inland temporary storage facilities anywhere in the UK.

The HMRC and Border Force approved Pentant CSP Inventory system delivers control and compliance to your ETSF. By moving your customs clearances away from the congested border to your inland premises, under the same controls, rules and regulations, it brings all operations in-house rather than at remote port clearance sites. Based on Pentant’s many years of experience, with inventory-linked Ro-Ro movements through the Port of Dover and the Channel Tunnel, the software provides the same level of detail and granulation required at a truck level for the clearance of goods, but at your own site.

To take advantage of an External Temporary Storage Facility: