CDS Import Declaration & CDS Import Entry: Expert Support That Goes Beyond the Shipment

At Be Blue Ltd, we know that handling a CDS Import Declaration (also known as CDS Import Entry) isn’t just about ticking boxes during the shipping process: it’s about making sure the details stand up to scrutiny long after your goods have cleared customs.

We’ve been doing this for over eight years, and in that time, we’ve seen too many importers left stranded when HMRC starts asking questions. That’s why we’ve built our service to give our clients peace of mind not only at the moment of import, but also weeks, months, or even years later when they need evidence to show exactly what was paid and when.

Why the CDS Import Declaration Matters

The CDS Import Declaration is more than just a formality. It’s a detailed record submitted to HMRC through the Customs Declaration Service, containing the exact information about your goods; from commodity codes and values to origin and shipping details. A properly completed declaration ensures goods move smoothly into the UK, that the right duties and VAT are applied, and that any reliefs are claimed correctly.

For businesses importing regularly, it’s a process that repeats day in, day out. But where many import agents focus only on getting goods through customs quickly, we focus on the bigger picture; making sure that, if HMRC ever challenges an entry, our clients have every piece of information needed to defend it.

Where Other Agents Stop, We Carry On

Most agents will handle your CDS Import Entry competently enough at the time of import. They’ll manage the Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) statement, make sure duty is paid, and get your shipment moving. But in our experience, when an HMRC demand letter lands months later, those same agents often disappear from view.

That’s the moment our clients tell us they’re most grateful for our approach. We don’t just process entries; we store and organise the data in a way that makes it easy to retrieve, review, and present when questions arise. Our support means you’re never left scrambling to prove something you know was correct all along.

The Be Blue Approach: End-to-End Clarity

Over the past eight years, we’ve developed a process that takes the stress out of import compliance, even after the fact. Our service includes:

• Full Declaration History Checks - We investigate and reconcile the complete record of your imports, ensuring every detail matches HMRC’s data.

• Verification of Customs Clearance - We confirm whether goods were cleared through us, so you know exactly which shipments we’ve handled and can link them to the correct entries.

• Document Provision - We supply the paperwork to prove VAT or duty has been paid correctly.

• Direct HMRC Communication - We speak to HMRC on your behalf, presenting your case clearly so auditors understand the full picture.

By keeping this level of detail at our fingertips, we help clients avoid unnecessary repayments of duty or VAT. We know how frustrating it can be for accountants to know a payment was made but have no way to prove it. Our system eliminates that gap.

Solving the Accountant’s Dilemma

Accountants are often caught in the middle when HMRC raises a query about an old CDS Import Entry. They may have the financial records showing a payment, but without matching customs documentation, the trail looks incomplete. This can lead to wasted time, duplicate payments, or in worst cases, financial penalties.

We step in to bridge that gap. By maintaining secure, well-organised records for every declaration, we make it easy to show HMRC the complete story from the goods’ arrival to the exact duties and VAT applied. This joined-up approach doesn’t just save you money; it also preserves your professional credibility and reduces stress across the business.

Why Our Clients Choose Us

Our long-term clients tell us they value three things most about our service above all else and that is our:

• Proactive Record-Keeping - We think ahead, storing key data so it’s there when you need it, not when it’s already too late.

• Specialist Knowledge - Our team understands how HMRC works and what evidence they need to close a query quickly.

• Peace of Mind - Importers can focus on running their business, knowing we’re on hand to protect them if an issue arises.

It’s this combination of technical precision and practical support that has earned us the trust of businesses across multiple industries over the past eight years.

A Partner for Every Stage of the Import Process

Whether you’re bringing in goods from Europe, Asia, or further afield, the CDS Import Declaration process is a constant but your needs at each stage can differ.

At the point of import, we ensure declarations are accurate, duties are correctly applied, and reliefs are claimed where available. After the shipment clears, we move into a safeguarding role, maintaining the records and monitoring for any potential HMRC follow-ups.

If a query comes in, even if it is years later, we can pull together all the relevant evidence, contact HMRC directly, and resolve the matter swiftly. That’s the real value of our service: not just getting your goods into the country, but protecting your business long after.

Therefore, if you want a partner who stays with you every step of the way, from the first line of your CDS Import Entry to the last question from an auditor, get in touch with us today. We’ll bring clarity to your imports and keep it there.