CNS is an HMRC approved Community System Provider (CSP) and our Compass Port Community System directly interfaces with HMRC frontier systems, including the Customs Declaration Service.

Seaports, airports and inland terminals are complex environments where information must move as efficiently as cargo. The Compass Port Community System simplifies that process, enabling fast, secure and compliant data exchange between port operators, logistics partners and government agencies.

Key System Capabilities

• Browser-Based Access CNS Compass is accessible through any standard web browser, providing a user-friendly interface for real-time inventory and manifest control.
• Inventory Linking The system automatically creates electronic inventory records from vessel manifests, enabling accurate tracking of consignments, essential for customs clearance and port operations.
• Flexible Data Input
  • At automated terminals, vessel and voyage data are received via Messaging from their Terminal Operating System.
  • At non-automated ports, terminal operators complete operational updates manually.
• Cargo Claiming Clearing agents can self-nominate and claim individual cargo items for customs entry, ensuring traceability and regulatory compliance.

Port Community – Maritime

CNS Compass Port Community System, is an HMRC-approved platform and supports many of the UK’s largest maritime ports. It enables seamless, secure and reliable information exchange between shipping lines, terminal operators, hauliers, freight forwarders and government authorities.

Fully approved by HMRC for imports, exports and transhipments at temporary storage locations, the system provides users with real-time visibility of cargo and unit status as goods move through the port environment, ensuring compliance, improving efficiency and maintaining the continuous flow of trade.

The easy to navigate platform offers full visibility and inventory control, and ensures compliance in the port connecting all key regulatory stakeholders.

Its connectivity to the terminal operating system speeds up the flow of data to avoid delays and allows supply chain actors to manage release and gate processes faster.

• Designed for shipping lines, freight forwarders, logistics operators or hauliers.
• Provides instant visibility across the network to facilitate smooth and efficient trade across UK frontiers.
• Providing smart real time information and data flow ensures trade through UK ports does not grind to a halt.
• The system provides efficient, fully audited movement of cargo as it passes through frontiers.
• The easy to navigate system offers full visibility and inventory control, and ensures compliance in the port connecting all key regulatory stakeholders.
• Its connectivity to the terminal operating system speeds up the flow of data to avoid delays and allows supply chain actors to manage release and gate processes faster.

Its direct integration with terminal operating systems (TOS) accelerates data flow, reduces delays and enables faster, more efficient cargo release and gate processing for every member of the supply chain.

• Direct access to the HMRC’s CDS systems for automatic customs clearance
• Inventory control and easy to navigate processes
• Links to the terminal operating systems to enable the movement of goods in and out
• Monitor real-time progress of cargo and arrange movement of goods between locations
• An audit trail – Compass tracks the progress and any changes from start to finish
• Flexible routing of reports
• Single sign-on access across sites.

A Trusted Digital Hub

CNS PCS is more than just a messaging system – it is a fully integrated ecosystem that empowers ports and logistics communities to operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably.

Acting as a trusted digital hub, it delivers vital, high-reliability connectivity between shipping lines, freight forwarders, hauliers, terminal operators, port authorities, and government agencies.

By centralising and standardising data exchange, CNS PCS reduces administrative complexity, accelerates cargo clearance, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements. It supports the logistics community with a single, secure gateway for exchanging real-time information, improving efficiency, transparency, and collaboration across the supply chain.

CNS Port Community System – what it means for your business

• Efficiency Gains: Automates manual processes, reduces paperwork, and minimises duplication of effort.
• Compliance Assurance: Fully aligned with customs and regulatory frameworks to ensure accurate declarations and reduced risk.
• Enhanced Visibility: Provides real-time updates on cargo and vessel status across the supply chain.
• Community Collaboration: Acts as a neutral platform enabling secure, standardised information exchange between stakeholders.
• Future-Readiness: Built on a modern architecture designed to adapt to new regulations, technologies, and market demands.
• Tailored for the Logistics Community
  Specifically designed for shipping lines, freight forwarders, logistics operators, and hauliers, Compass ensures every member of the supply chain benefits from a single, collaborative platform.
• Instant Network Visibility
  Delivers real-time visibility across the logistics network, supporting smooth and efficient trade flows across UK frontiers. This transparency allows stakeholders to anticipate issues and keep cargo moving without disruption.
• Resilient Data Flow for Uninterrupted Trade
  By enabling smart, real-time information exchange, Compass ensures that trade through UK ports continues seamlessly, even during periods of high demand or regulatory change.
• Audited Cargo Movements
  Provides efficient, fully tracked and auditable cargo movements as goods pass through UK borders, strengthening security and compliance while maintaining efficiency.
• HMRC-Approved Compliance Platform
  As an HMRC-approved system, our PCS offers full visibility and inventory control. It connects key regulatory stakeholders in a single environment, ensuring adherence to customs requirements while simplifying user navigation.
• Terminal Connectivity for Faster Cargo Flows
  Through its direct link with terminal operating systems, Compass accelerates the transfer of data, avoids delays, and allows supply chain partners to manage container release and gate-in/gate-out processes more effectively.

CNS – Your Port Community Partner

The CNS Port Community System is not just a tool for compliance and communication – it is a strategic enabler of smarter, faster, and more connected supply chain operations. By bringing together all members of the port community into a single, collaborative digital ecosystem, CNS PCS helps drive efficiency, visibility, and innovation across global trade.

• Southampton
• Tilbury
• London Gateway
• Manchester
• Birmingham
• East Midlands
• Chatham
• Reading
• Belfast
• Leeds
• Plymouth
• Poole
• Portsmouth
• Hull