UK customs now requires specific airport codes in declarations
HMRC has published guidance on regulated aerodrome location codes that must be used in Data Element 5/23 of the UK Customs Declaration Service. Shippers and customs brokers filing declarations for goods examined at UK airports must now use the standardized codes listed in Appendix 16B to identify examination locations. This update affects all air imports and exports processed through UK regulated aerodromes.
Photo: Holiday Extras / Pexels# UK customs now requires specific airport codes in declarations
HMRC has published new guidance specifying the regulated aerodrome location codes that must be used when filing customs declarations through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). Effective immediately, Data Element 5/23 in the CDS—which identifies where goods may be examined—must now reference codes from the official HMRC list in Appendix 16B.
Who is affected
This guidance applies to all importers, exporters, and customs brokers filing declarations for goods that transit or are examined at UK regulated aerodromes. Any shipment processed through a UK airport for customs clearance must now comply with the standardized location-code requirement.
What changed
Previously, shippers may have used informal or non-standardized identifiers for airport examination locations. HMRC now mandates the use of specific codes published in Appendix 16B of this guidance. These codes ensure consistent, machine-readable identification of which regulated aerodrome will handle goods inspection and release.
The requirement applies to Data Element 5/23 of the CDS—the field that declares the location for goods examination. Declarations submitted without the correct codes risk rejection or delays in customs clearance.
What this means for shippers
All shippers and customs brokers must immediately obtain and reference the aerodrome codes from HMRC's Appendix 16B in all future CDS filings. Review your current declaration templates and broker instructions to ensure compliance; non-compliance will trigger declaration rejections and clearance delays. If you use a customs broker or freight forwarder, confirm they have updated their CDS submission workflows to use the correct codes. Check the HMRC guidance now and update your processes immediately.
