CFSP

Simplified imports

There are two principle models under which goods can be declared to UK Customs:

1. A full declaration at the time of import/export.

2. Using CFSP in order to provide only the most basic information at the time the goods cleared through the frontier, followed up with a supplementary declaration after the goods have been imported.

Benefits

Both models require the same data to be presented to UK Customs, however, CFSP has significant benefits:

• The importer or their agent has to be pre-approved to use CFSP and, as part of that process, they will have demonstrated that they have the necessary internal controls to ensure accurate declarations.  Their resultant imports, therefore, are subject to significantly less scrutiny.

• The time delay between the shipment being dispatched and the deadline to present the supplementary declaration allows complete data to be extracted from internal systems.  Amendments can be accounted for and the reporting workload is reduced.

• The fees that Assured Customs Declarations need to charge for the declarations that we prepare are reduced.

The data requirement for the initial freight message is very limited and generally relates to the CFSP registration, the name of the declarant and a general description of the goods.  Further information on the transport used and the number of packages in the shipment must also be provided.

Data requirements

With regard to the supplementary declarations, the following key information will be required for each shipment:

• The name, address and EORI number of the:

  • Supplier.

  • Importer.

  • Intermediary that submits the declaration, i.e. Assured Customs Declarations.

• Details concerning the transport of the goods:

  • Mode of transport.

  • Nationality of transport.

• Information in relation to the goods:

  • Value and currency.

  • Customs classification code (ten-digit number based on UK Tariff).

  • Country of origin.

As a result, we will need to be advised when a shipment is due to be made, the vehicle that it will arrive on and the number of containers that make up the consignment.

At the end of each week and the end of each partial week at month end, we will ask you to provide a more detailed report of the shipments that have been made in Excel.  We will work with you to ensure that as much of this data as possible is pre-determined by us and that you are able to draw the rest from your data systems.