Introduction to Export Lite

Cargoes Export Lite is a HMRC-approved port community system that supports many of the largest maritime ports in the UK, enabling businesses and government stakeholders to securely and reliably exchange information. Cargoes Export Lite is the new and more advanced product that has replaced the previous Compass Export Lite.

This user guidance will provide clear instructions and highlight key additional features so that users can manage their maritime movements successfully, with real-time visibility of unit and cargo status as cargo moves through the port environment.

Cargoes Export Lite is a system based around Unique Consignment References (UCR), which are linked to a registered visit and updated to show arrival status and customs clearance status. Each export UCR consignment is registered on Cargoes using a Unique Consignment Number (UCN), the UCR links the inventory record with the HM Revenue & Customs NES Export Declaration. Without registering the UCR, the export consignment cannot progress through the port and shipment cannot be affected, the use of a UCR is mandatory for all export declarations and is the means by which the user and HM Revenue & Customs can identify goods to the trader records.

The Arrival, Load and Depart functions are the responsibility of the Shipping Line, Ship’s Agent or Wharf Operator responsible for the vessel. These users must have a ‘Loader role' set-up by HMRC on CHIEF/CDS to complete Arrive, Load and Depart actions accordingly.

It is the responsibility of the Wharf operator or the ship’s agent (the lead agent) to register the vessel in Cargoes Export Lite.