Check a CDS declaration for free
Customs Declaration Service · United Kingdom
What we check
- Categories H1 to H4, B1 and C21
- CPC consistent with the category
- DUCR format and UK EORI
- Deferment account (DAN) and commodity code
A free check, no sign-up
Enter your CDS declaration: formats, consistency between fields and system-specific rules are checked, with a score and a PDF report.
- Score out of 100 and readiness level
- Blocking issues and warnings, ranked
- Recommended actions
- Downloadable PDF report
Since the United Kingdom left the European Union, goods traded with Great Britain require customs declarations. They are filed in HMRC's Customs Declaration Service (CDS), which replaced CHIEF. System-specific codes (CPC, DUCR, declaration categories) are a frequent source of errors.
CDS declaration categories
- H1: import for release to free circulation and home use
- H2: customs warehousing
- H3: temporary admission
- H4: inward processing
- B1: standard export
- C21: customs clearance request for simplified exports
The declaration type (A, D, Y, Z) states whether it is a standard frontier declaration, a declaration lodged before the goods arrive, or a supplementary declaration.
Data to check first
- The CPC (Customs Procedure Code, 7 characters), which must be consistent with the chosen category
- The DUCR, the unique consignment reference, whose format is standardised
- The declarant's UK EORI number (starting with GB)
- The commodity code, 10 digits on import
- The deferment account (DAN) when duties and VAT are paid by deferment
- Currency, Incoterm, invoice value and freight
What the check gives you
You enter the declaration as it will be filed: each field is checked as you type, then CDS-specific consistency rules are applied (CPC and category, DAN and payment method, GB EORI). The PDF report lists the corrections to make before you or your customs agent file it.
Frequently asked questions
Is CHIEF still in use?
No. HMRC replaced CHIEF with CDS for imports and then for exports. All declarations now go through CDS.
What is a CPC?
The Customs Procedure Code states the requested procedure and the previous procedure. It must match the declaration category (for example an export CPC with a B1 declaration).
Is an EU EORI number enough to declare in the UK?
No. CDS declarations require a UK EORI number starting with GB (or XI for some Northern Ireland movements).
What is the DAN used for?
The Deferment Approval Number identifies the deferment account used to pay import duties and VAT at a later date.
Does the check file the declaration with HMRC?
No. It checks the data before filing, with nothing sent to HMRC.