The Joint Customs Consultative Committee (JCCC), an HMRC-sponsored forum that exchanges views on and discusses proposed changes to customs procedures and documentation relating to the entry and clearance of goods, is inviting CILT members from a variety of organisation sizes and sectors - particularly freight forwarders -to take part in user testing of two new systems developed to make the movement of goods more efficient.

The JCCC's Digital Delivery Team has developed two new systems: National Import Duty Accounting Centre (NIDAC) and CDS Reimbursements. The development of the two systems is now in the final stages and requires user testing in order to improve and refine the systems prior to launch.

If you feel that you or anyone you may know would provide some value or gain some benefit from user testing, please email Ben Towers and Chris Samms.
If you feel that you or anyone you may know would provide some value or gain some benefit from user testing, please email my colleagues; Ben Towers ben.towers@digital.hmrc.gov.uk and Chris Samms chris.samms@digital.hmrc.gov.uk

The new online services will replace the current application method. These services will:

• Improve the user experience of using the service
• Enable claimants to submit applications via gov.uk
• Improve the accuracy of the information provided by users so internal officers can work more efficiently

What is the NIDAC service

NIDAC is the National Import Duty Accounting Centre. The service allows a trader or a representative to email or post evidence demonstrating an overpayment of import duties, where an estimated value has initially been paid upon import. The new online service will replace the existing journey.

What is the CDS reimbursements service

The CDS reimbursements service allows a trader or an agent to enter the details of an overpayment of duty. A form (C285) is available on gov.uk that the trader completes. This form is printed and posted or scanned and emailed along with any supporting documentation. The new online service will replace the existing journey.

How user testing will benefit the end users:
The JCCC has identified a number of areas where we could improve the existing services for end users, such as:

• The services are likely to have a number of new users as a result of the recent EU exit changes to importing. We will identify where the guidance for users can be improved.
• The services will create a more structured approach to submitting an application to HMRC. It is vital to understand how this may affect users.
• User testing will allow users to test the end-to-end journeys and as such, will likely identify further areas for improvement.
  

What would be required of volunteers:

The JCCC requires a mixture of traders and agents;

• Different sizes of companies - large, medium, small companies.
• Different fields - importing fish will likely have different considerations to importing medical supplies, for example.
• Different levels of experience when importing. Users may be very familiar with the forms and processes involved, or may be doing this for the first time

Please also email the two contacts above if you have any further queries regarding the testing.