UK ACTS location codes for CDS Data Element 5/23
HMRC has published guidance listing authorised location codes for Data Element 5/23 of the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), used to identify examination sites for Authorised Consignee Temporary Storage (ACTS) shipments. This technical update clarifies where goods may be held and inspected under ACTS arrangements.
Photo: Arturo Añez. / PexelsUK updates ACTS examination location codes for CDS
HMRC has released guidance identifying the location codes required for Data Element 5/23 in the Customs Declaration Service, effective immediately. These codes designate where goods held under Authorised Consignee Temporary Storage (ACTS) may be examined by customs authorities.
Who this affects
Shippers, freight forwarders, and logistics providers using ACTS arrangements to temporarily store goods at authorised locations before final customs clearance must now reference the correct location codes when submitting CDS declarations. ACTS allows authorised traders to hold imported goods at designated facilities pending examination and release.
Location codes and CDS compliance
The guidance, published as Appendix 16N, specifies which location identifiers can populate Data Element 5/23 during CDS entry. Submitting declarations with incorrect or unlisted location codes may trigger rejection or delay at the CDS validation gate, preventing timely clearance.
Authorised Consignees must ensure that:
- Declarations reference only HMRC-approved location codes from the published list
- The location code matches the actual physical site where goods will be held and examined
- Internal systems and EDI mappings are updated to use the correct codes going forward
This is part of HMRC's broader effort to standardise customs data-element formatting and ensure consistent location identification across the CDS platform.
What this means for shippers
Immediate action: download Appendix 16N and cross-reference your ACTS locations against the authorised codes. If your current location is not listed, contact HMRC to confirm its status before your next CDS submission—using an unlisted code will fail validation and halt your shipment. Update your declaration software and forwarding partners' systems to use only approved codes from this list.
