UK ITSF codes for Customs Declaration Service updated
HMRC published updated guidance on Internal Temporary Storage Facilities (ITSF) codes for Data Element 5/23 of the UK Customs Declaration Service. The guidance provides a list of codes used to identify examination locations for goods in temporary storage. This is a technical update to the customs declaration system affecting shippers and freight forwarders filing declarations with UK customs.
Photo: Marek Prášil / Pexels# UK ITSF Codes for Customs Declaration Service Updated
HMRC has published guidance on Internal Temporary Storage Facilities (ITSF) codes for Data Element 5/23 of the Customs Declaration Service, effective 8 May 2026. The codes are listed in Appendix 16D and are used to identify the location where goods may be examined when stored in internal temporary storage facilities.
What this guidance covers
The update provides standardised codes that declarants must use when identifying ITSF examination locations in their customs declarations. Data Element 5/23 is a mandatory field in the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) for shipments utilising internal temporary storage.
Internal Temporary Storage Facilities are authorised locations where goods can be held under customs supervision prior to final customs clearance, payment of duties, or re-export. Using the correct ITSF code ensures smooth processing and reduces the risk of rejection or delay.
Find a list of codes which can be used in Data Element 5/23 to identify the location where the goods may be examined for internal temporary storage facilities (Appendix 16D).
Shippers, freight forwarders, and customs agents must ensure their declaration software and processes reference the correct ITSF codes from Appendix 16D when submitting declarations involving temporary storage.
What this means for shippers
If you use internal temporary storage facilities in the UK, verify that your customs software or freight forwarder is using the updated ITSF codes from Appendix 16D. Non-compliance will result in declaration rejections and processing delays. Download the full guidance now and brief your compliance team immediately.
