CDS (Customs Decision System)

The CDS (Customs Decision System) is an EU IT system that centralises the management of customs decisions (authorisations and approvals) in accordance with the Union Customs Code (UCC).

CDS manages in particular:

• Authorisations for simplified procedures (simplified declaration, entry in declarant's records)
• Authorisations for special procedures (inward/outward processing, temporary admission, customs warehousing)
• AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) certifications
• Authorisations for authorised consignee/consignor for transit
• BTI (Binding Tariff Information) decisions

The system comprises two modules:

• Trader Portal (EU Customs Trader Portal): online interface allowing economic operators to submit authorisation requests and track their processing
• Management module: used by national customs authorities to process requests, consult other Member States and issue decisions

CDS ensures mutual recognition of customs decisions across the EU: an authorisation issued in one Member State is valid in all others.