UK CDS BIRDS Declarations & CCR Completion Guide
HMRC has published updated guidance on completing Customs Clearance Requests (CCR) under the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) for UK imports. The guidance covers data element requirements for BIRDS declarations and inventory releases, replacing references to the legacy C21 form. Shippers and freight forwarders using CDS must ensure compliance with the new completion instructions to avoid clearance delays.
Photo: Veronika Andrews / PexelsUK Updates CDS BIRDS Declaration Guidance for Import Clearance
HMRC has released updated completion instructions for Customs Clearance Requests (CCR) submitted via the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), effective 28 April 2026. The guidance replaces earlier references to C21 inventory release forms with the current CCR framework under BIRDS (the Batch Import Release Declaration System).
Who This Affects
All importers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers using CDS to clear goods into the UK must comply with these data element completion instructions. This applies to any business submitting import declarations and inventory releases through the UK's digital customs platform.
What Changed
According to HMRC:
"These Data Element Completion instructions relate to Customs Declaration Service (CDS) Customs Clearance Requests (CCR) inventory releases previously referred to as C21s for import purposes only."
The shift from C21 nomenclature to CCR under the BIRDS system reflects HMRC's modernization of its customs IT infrastructure. While the underlying declaration requirements remain, the format, data fields, and submission workflow have been updated to align with the new CDS environment.
Key Takeaway
Importers and agents must ensure all CCR submissions include the correct data elements as specified in the new guidance. Incorrect or incomplete declarations risk clearance delays, penalties, or goods being held at the border. The legacy C21 form is no longer used; all submissions must follow the current CCR protocol.
What this means for shippers
Update your CDS submission procedures immediately to align with BIRDS CCR requirements; failure to do so will result in import delays and potential penalties. Review the HMRC guidance in full and retrain your customs team on the new data element rules. Consult the CDS portal directly or contact your customs broker to confirm your declaration template matches the current CCR specification.
