Key points at a glance:

  • Deadline: 30 November 2026 to submit a new application for existing IST authorisations.
  • New procedure: applications must be submitted via the European TP-CDS portal, and no longer in SOPRANO-DT.
  • Identification: a valid EORI SIREN number is required.
  • Exception: Approved Places for Temporary Storage (LADT) are not affected by this switch at this stage.

French Customs is continuing the modernisation and Europeanisation of its information systems. Since June 2026, applications for authorisation to operate a Temporary Storage Facility (IST) must be submitted via the European TP-CDS portal, replacing the former national system SOPRANO-DT.

Companies that already hold an IST authorisation issued in SOPRANO-DT are also concerned: they must submit a new application in TP-CDS no later than 30 November 2026. As the transfer of existing authorisations is not automatic, it is essential to anticipate this process in order to ensure continuity of the authorisation.

⚠️ Warning:
LADT are not affected by this switch. Approvals for Approved Places for Temporary Storage (LADT) remain, at this stage, processed in SOPRANO.

What is a Temporary Storage Facility (IST)?

A Temporary Storage Facility (IST) is a place authorised by Customs allowing non-Union goods to be stored after their presentation to customs, pending their placement under a customs procedure, their re-exportation or, where applicable, their destruction.

The stay of goods in an IST is in principle limited to 90 days. During this period, the goods remain subject to the rules applicable to temporary storage, in particular as regards duties and taxes and commercial policy measures.

Operating an IST notably involves:

  • obtaining a customs authorisation;
  • keeping records ensuring the traceability of the goods;
  • providing a guarantee, unless an exemption or reduction applies.

What is CDS and what is TP-CDS used for?

CDS (Customs Decisions System) is the European system dedicated to the management of customs decisions and authorisations provided for by the Union Customs Code (UCC). It covers 22 categories of customs authorisations1.

Economic operators use TP-CDS (Trader Portal – Customs Decisions System)2 to submit their applications and monitor their processing by the customs authorities.

The switch of IST authorisations to this portal is part of a drive to harmonise customs procedures at European level. However, it requires specific action from companies that already hold an authorisation issued under the former French system.

What steps must companies take?

The procedure depends on the operator’s situation.

SituationAction to be taken
New IST authorisation applicationSubmit the application in TP-CDS.
Existing IST authorisation in SOPRANO-DTSubmit a new application in TP-CDS before 30 November 2026.
Company concerned by the procedureCheck the validity of its EORI SIREN and the accuracy of the information required for the file.
Authorisation relating to an LADTNo switch planned under this measure at this stage; processing remains in SOPRANO.

This new procedure forms part of the switch of IST operating authorisations to the European CDS system. Concerned operators are invited to consult the information from the Directorate-General of Customs and Indirect Taxes (DGDDI) regarding the switch of IST authorisations to CDS and the EORI SIREN3.

⚠️ Warning:
Companies must not consider their existing IST authorisation as automatically transferred to CDS. They must anticipate the submission of their new application and check the required information to avoid any administrative difficulties.

Why anticipate the switch of IST authorisations?

The deadline of 30 November 2026 is approaching. Concerned operators would be well advised to check their situation now in order to have the time needed to prepare their file.

Several points deserve particular attention:

  • identify the IST authorisations currently held in SOPRANO-DT;
  • check that the EORI SIREN number used is valid;
  • gather the information and supporting documents required for the new application;
  • complete the formalities in TP-CDS before the deadline.

This anticipation makes it possible to better control the administrative steps and limit the risks of difficulties in managing customs authorisations.

Anticipate your switch to TP-CDS

Prepare your file with complete peace of mind: our teams support you in analysing your existing IST authorisations and preparing your customs formalities.

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ASD Group Editorial Team
Experts in VAT, customs, and international regulations

The ASD Group team is a collective of specialized experts. They create and manage blog articles and news updates across our sites, focusing on VAT, international taxes, customs operations, social regulations, and international trade. With a clear and educational approach, the team makes complex and technical subjects easily understandable and relevant for businesses.

Sources:

  1. https://www.douane.gouv.fr/fiche/les-autorisations-douanieres-dans-cds (in French) ↩︎
  2. https://www.douane.gouv.fr/service-en-ligne/systeme-de-decisions-douanieres-tp-cds (in French) ↩︎
  3. https://www.edouane.com/dgddi-nao-n-2600090-bascule-des-autorisations-dexploitation-dist-a-leori-siren-outil-europeen-cds/ (in French) ↩︎