Customs Freight Simplified Procedures (CFSP) is a system of simplified customs procedures for the carriage of goods. CFSP is used in the European Union (EU) and allows businesses to benefit from simplified customs procedures, leading to faster and more efficient movement of goods across borders.
The system was introduced to facilitate international trade and reduce the bureaucracy associated with customs procedures. Companies that use the CFSP can register as an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) and submit simplified customs declarations, which reduces the amount of paperwork required and shortens the waiting time for customs clearance.
With the CFSP, companies can also use procedures such as customs self-assessment, which means they can determine the value of goods, their customs classification and tax base themselves. They can also apply simplifications to customs payments, such as deferring payment until the goods are released.
CFSP contributes to improving the competitiveness of businesses by reducing the time it takes for goods to move across borders and by reducing the costs associated with customs procedures. It is an important element of EU trade policy to stimulate and facilitate trade with non-EU countries. Key benefits of using the CFSP.
First and foremost, the CFSP is designed to streamline and speed up customs procedures, plus it can be done electronically, so not only is it quicker and more efficient, but we do not waste paper. When using the CFSP, we only need to have and fill in the most necessary data. The purpose of the CFSP is primarily to speed up customs procedures at the border. However, HMRC still needs the rest of our data, but by using the CFSP this is done at a later date. CFSP enables better cash flow, money is not frozen during customs operations as charges are collected after the goods have been in storage. It also provides greater control over tax points and greater freedom in filing returns as they can be submitted online.
What is an SDP?
SDP, or Simplified Declaration Procedure, allows imported goods to enter without the need for a full import declaration. It is usually applied to goods that do not exceed a certain value or that meet certain customs criteria set by the relevant authorities. It allows traders to provide simplified documentation of goods, which significantly speeds up the customs clearance process.
By implementing SDP, customs administrations aim to facilitate trade, which is particularly evident for medium and small businesses and low-value consignments. However, it is important to note that the details of SDP availability may vary from country to country.
The SDP allows the release of goods for specific purposes such as:
- Free circulation
- Customs warehousing
- Processing operations
- Temporary admission
- Export
- Re-exportation
How to apply for CFSP?
To meet the conditions for applying for CFSP, you need to meet the following conditions:
- Your company must be registered in the UK,
- We must have a documented history of paying VAT and previous procedures,
- All records we have accumulated relating to our business must be properly archived and retained for 4 years,
- Obtain written approval from the relevant authorities,
- All above conditions must be met for at least 3 years from the date of application,
Moreover C&E Form 48 must be completed. HMRC also requires written procedures, a list of customs procedures/goods codes, and a list of customers.
What goods cannot be cleared using CFSP?
Most goods imported from third countries are eligible to go through the simplified declaration procedure. However, it is worth checking before making a declaration whether our goods can go through this procedure and whether they will receive CFSP authorisation.
However, there are also goods to which we cannot apply the CFSP, among which we can mention:
- Hydrocarbon oils,
- Goods covered by ATA carnets;
- Goods brought out of a customs warehouse that are exported;
- Goods imported or originating from North Korea;
- Goods that are not of a commercial nature and require D3 declarations.
If you want to be able to import goods, you need to fill in the right documents. Fortunately, you can entrust this task to us and we will help you. We will take care of everything on your behalf, as we specialise in preparing CFSP declarations, among other things.