📌 CDS Release 5.3.0 Brings New Declaration Validations from 26 September

HMRC is preparing to introduce Customs Declaration Service (CDS) Release 5.3.0 on Saturday, 26 September, bringing a range of changes to declaration processing and validation requirements.

The release includes updates affecting areas such as currency codes, goods location codes, document and authorisation references, import and export declaration validations, Northern Ireland “at-risk” calculations and preparations for Vaping Products Duty.

Businesses using CDS should review declaration templates, standing data and system mappings ahead of the release. Particular attention may also be required for pre-lodged declarations submitted before the changes take effect, as affected declarations may need to be amended before goods arrive.

The release coincides with an extended period of planned CDS maintenance. As highlighted previously, CDS will be unavailable from 7:00 PM on Saturday, 26 September until 8:30 AM on Sunday, 27 September. HMRC has advised that this outage will be longer than usual.

Customs intermediaries, freight operators and businesses submitting declarations should therefore review both the system changes and any planned weekend movements ahead of implementation.

Source: HM Revenue & Customs / CDS Release 5.3.0 guidance

📌 HMRC Consultation on Mandatory Registration for Customs Intermediaries Closes

HMRC has concluded its consultation on the proposed introduction of mandatory registration for customs intermediaries, marking the latest stage in plans to strengthen standards across the sector.

The 13-week consultation closed on 21 September and considered how a future registration scheme could operate for businesses and individuals acting as customs intermediaries.

Proposals considered include common minimum requirements for registration, alongside checks covering areas such as tax compliance, relevant criminal convictions, director disqualification, insolvency and serious customs non-compliance. HMRC has stated that any future system should be proportionate and avoid unnecessary administrative burdens.

The potential impact is significant given the central role intermediaries play in UK trade. HMRC figures show that 80% of international customs declarations cleared in 2025 were intermediated by a third party, while 99% of traders relied solely on an intermediary for all their customs declarations.

Responses to the consultation will now inform the Government’s approach to the proposed registration framework and any subsequent policy development.

Source: HM Revenue & Customs, Customs intermediaries: introduction of mandatory registration

📌 UK and US Strengthen Strategic Defence Logistics Cooperation

The UK Ministry of Defence and US Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) have signed a new statement of intent aimed at strengthening cooperation across defence logistics and supply chains.

Vice Admiral Sir Andy Kyte, UK Chief of Defence Logistics and Support, and DLA Director Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly signed the non-binding agreement on 15 September at the McNamara Headquarters Complex in Virginia.

The agreement identifies five areas for deeper cooperation: digital integration, supply chain resilience, global logistics positioning, standards and interchangeability, and operational and industrial collaboration.

The initiative builds on existing cooperation between the two organisations and reflects the increasing importance of resilient, interoperable supply chains in supporting defence operations across international markets.

For the wider logistics sector, the agreement provides another example of governments placing greater emphasis on supply chain resilience, standardisation and closer international logistics cooperation.

Source: US Defense Logistics Agency / UK Ministry of Defence