UK CDS data element 2/3: document codes and reference guide
HMRC has published the official list of document codes, document status codes, and reference details for Data Element 2/3 in the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). This guidance covers the codes required when declaring licences, certificates, and other supporting documents in UK customs declarations. Shippers and customs brokers using CDS must reference Appendix 5A for the correct codes to include in their submissions.
Photo: Stanislav Kondratiev / Pexels# UK CDS data element 2/3: document codes and reference guide
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued guidance on Data Element 2/3 of the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), effective 8 May 2026. The guidance provides the authoritative list of codes for documents and other reference information that must be declared when submitting customs declarations through CDS.
What data element 2/3 covers
Data Element 2/3 is used to declare supporting documents, licences, and certificates relevant to a customs declaration. This includes import/export licences, certificates of origin, phytosanitary certificates, and other regulatory documents required by UK customs law or trading partner rules.
"Find a list of codes for the relevant document codes, document status codes and details to be declared (for example, licences and certificates) in Data Element 2/3 (Appendix 5A)."
— HMRC, CDS Guidance
The complete code set is maintained in Appendix 5A of the CDS technical documentation. Shippers, freight forwarders, and software providers handling UK customs declarations must ensure their systems reference the current codes when populating this field.
Document codes and status codes
The codes cover:
- Document codes: identifiers for the type of supporting document (e.g. certificate of origin, import licence)
- Document status codes: the status of that document in the declaration workflow (e.g. submitted, rejected, accepted)
- Reference details: additional identifying information for the document, such as issue date, issuing authority, or licence number
Since CDS is the mandatory declaration system for UK customs from 1 January 2024 onwards, all declarations — whether submitted by licensed customs brokers, freight forwarders, or direct declarants — must use the correct codes from Appendix 5A to ensure compliance and avoid clearance delays.
What this means for shippers
If you declare goods into the UK via CDS (directly or through a freight forwarder), ensure your broker or software uses the current document codes from HMRC's Appendix 5A. Incorrect or missing codes will cause declarations to be rejected or held up. Confirm with your customs agent that they have the latest CDS code list and verify any licence or certificate reference data before submission. Review your own customs declaration procedures now to avoid declaration rejections when you next import or export.
