Get access to the Customs Declaration Service
How to access the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) if you already have an EORI number.
Last updated 10 May 2024
Subscribing your Government Gateway user ID to the Customs Declaration Service will allow you to do things such as:
- submit import and export declarations using software
- get your postponed import VAT statements or get your import VAT certificates so you can complete your VAT Return
- pay Customs Duty and import VAT
You do not need to subscribe to the Customs Declaration Service again if you have already done so for either imports or exports.
How to get access
You鈥檒l need the that you use for:
- your business or organisation
- yourself, if you鈥檙e applying as an individual
If you do not have a user ID, you can create one when you start.
You cannot use an agent or intermediary Government Gateway user ID.
You鈥檒l need to provide:
- your Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number that starts with GB
- Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) - if you do not know it
- the address for your business that is held on customs records
- National Insurance number (if you鈥檙e an individual or sole trader)
- the date you started your business
Your EORI number and Customs Declaration Service registration will be linked to your Government Gateway account. You cannot apply for more than one EORI number using your Government Gateway account.
Online services may be slow during busy times. Check if there are any .
After you鈥檝e applied
You鈥檒l get access within either:
- two hours
- five working days (if HMRC needs to make more checks)
Add a team member
If you need others in your business to use your subscription (and the services it gives access to) you can .
You鈥檒l be able to control what each team member can access.
Help and Support
To report issues with subscribing to the Customs Declaration Service, see .