UK DEP codes for customs declaration now live

On 8 May 2026, HMRC released guidance establishing the complete list of Designated Export Place (DEP) codes for use in Data Element 5/23 of the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).

What are DEP codes?

Designated Export Places are approved locations where exporters and freight forwarders may declare goods for export under UK customs rules. Each DEP is assigned a unique code that must be entered in Data Element 5/23 when filing a customs declaration through CDS.

"Find a list of codes which can be used in Data Element 5/23 to identify the location where the goods may be declared for export at a designated export place (DEP) (Appendix 16K)."

The codes are published in Appendix 16K of HMRC's guidance and are mandatory for all exporters using the CDS platform.

Who must comply

All exporters and freight forwarders filing export declarations through the UK Customs Declaration Service must select the appropriate DEP code corresponding to the location where they are physically declaring or presenting the goods for export. This applies regardless of the commodity, destination, or value of the shipment.

Exporters working through licensed customs brokers or freight forwarders should ensure their representatives have access to the current DEP code list and apply the correct code for each shipment's export location. Incorrect or missing DEP codes may result in declaration rejection, export delays, or customs penalties.

What this means for shippers

Download Appendix 16K and cross-reference your export location against the official DEP code list before submitting any CDS declaration. Incorrect codes will cause rejection at the gate. Train your freight forwarder and internal export team on the DEP code for each site you use. Failure to use the correct code delays shipment release and exposes you to customs penalties. Access the full list now via HMRC's guidance publication linked above.