HMRC Customs Declaration Service Software: Full Approved Developer List 2026

What Is the HMRC Customs Declaration Service?

The Customs Declaration Service (CDS) is HMRC's digital platform for submitting import and export declarations in the UK. It is the mandatory system for all businesses and customs agents that declare goods entering or leaving the UK. CDS replaced the previous Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system, which had been in operation since the 1990s. CHIEF was switched off for imports in November 2023 and for exports in March 2024. Since those dates, CDS has been the only route for UK customs declarations.

CDS connects directly to duty and VAT payment mechanisms, customs special procedures, simplified declaration arrangements and the UK Global Trade Tariff. When a declaration is submitted via CDS, the system calculates duty and VAT based on the commodity code, customs value and origin of the goods, applies any reliefs or preferences claimed, and returns a clearance response - or flags the declaration for further checks by Border Force. The response codes include Accepted (goods may proceed), Held (additional information or inspection required), and Rejected (errors must be corrected before resubmission).

Businesses have two routes for submitting CDS declarations. The first is to appoint a licensed customs agent or freight forwarder to submit declarations on their behalf. The importer or exporter remains legally responsible for the accuracy of information even when using an agent. The second is to subscribe to CDS directly and submit declarations in-house using HMRC-approved software. This guide covers the second route: the approved software providers on the HMRC register.

To use CDS directly, a business needs a UK Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number in the format GB followed by 12 digits, a Government Gateway account subscribed to CDS, a method of paying customs duties (a CDS cash account, duty deferment account, or immediate payment), and - if using an agent - a formal standing authority granted to that agent within CDS. Only software from HMRC's approved developer list may be used to submit declarations directly to CDS.

The Four CDS Declaration Types: What Each Covers

The HMRC approved software list categorises providers by the declaration types their software supports. There are five categories in total. Understanding which categories your business needs is the starting point for narrowing the approved provider list.

The Customs Declaration Service for imports (full standard import declaration) is the most widely supported category, with 44 of the 56 approved providers covering it. This covers the standard H1 declaration used when goods are released into free circulation in the UK, with duty and import VAT calculated and due at that point. It also covers other standard import procedure codes including H2 (customs warehouse), H3 (inward processing), H4 (temporary admission) and H5 (end-use relief).

The Customs Declaration Service for exports covers export declarations submitted before goods leave the UK or are presented to UK customs. 34 of the 56 approved providers support this category. Export declarations require information on the commodity, customs value, destination, and any export licences or restrictions applicable to the goods.

Simplified declarations for imports allow businesses that hold Customs Authorisation to use Simplified Declaration Procedure (SDP) to lodge an initial simplified declaration at the point of import, followed by a supplementary declaration within a set period. 35 providers on the approved list support simplified import declarations. This procedure is relevant for high-volume importers who need speed at the border and can complete documentation after the goods have moved.

Simplified declarations for exports operate on the same principle for outbound goods. Only 14 of the 56 approved providers support this category, making it the most selective. Businesses with high export volumes that need simplified export procedures should specifically confirm this capability when evaluating software.

Customs warehouse software (for managing goods held in a customs warehouse) is supported by only 4 providers: Langdon Customs and Excise Solutions, Microhelp Ltd, Phoenix Customs Services Ltd, and Contained Technologies UK Ltd. Customs warehousing allows goods to be stored without paying import duty until they are removed from the warehouse for release to free circulation, re-export, or onward processing.

How to Get on the HMRC CDS Approved Software List

Software developers who wish to appear on the HMRC approved list must contact the Software Developer Support Team (SDST) via the HMRC Developer Hub. To be listed, developers must provide their business name, email address, telephone number and website. The SDST will review the submission and respond within two working days. HMRC explicitly states that it is not responsible for any losses or expenses incurred by businesses using software from listed providers, and that it does not recommend or endorse any one product over another.

Notably, HMRC also states that developers who have not agreed to publishing their details are not listed - meaning the approved list is opt-in. This means there may be additional software providers who have developed CDS-compatible software and hold the relevant HMRC API credentials but have chosen not to appear on the public register. Businesses should verify that any software they use is connected to CDS via HMRC's official API channels regardless of whether the provider appears on the published list.

The Association of Freight Software Suppliers (AFSS) operates alongside the HMRC list as an industry body for customs and freight software developers. Contact for AFSS is available via Steve Bartlett at the AFSS website. The AFSS provides additional guidance on software developer services and can be a useful resource for businesses evaluating the market beyond the HMRC register.

Full HMRC Approved CDS Software Developer Directory: June 2026

The following table shows all providers on the HMRC approved list as at 25 June 2026, with their capability across the four main declaration type categories. Contact details for each provider are available directly on the HMRC GOV.UK software developers page. HMRC confirms the list is updated on a rolling basis as new developers are approved and details change.

What is HMRC Customs Declaration Service (CDS) software?

HMRC Customs Declaration Service software is approved third-party software that connects directly to HMRC's CDS platform to submit UK import and export declarations. Businesses that submit customs declarations in-house rather than through a customs agent must use software from HMRC's approved developer list. The software communicates with CDS via HMRC's official API, submitting declaration data and receiving clearance responses. As at 25 June 2026, there are 56 approved providers on the HMRC register covering CDS imports, CDS exports, simplified declarations and customs warehouse software.

Is CDS software mandatory for UK customs declarations?

Yes, for businesses submitting their own declarations. The Customs Declaration Service replaced the legacy CHIEF system for imports in November 2023 and for exports in March 2024. All UK import and export declarations must now go through CDS. Businesses using a licensed customs agent or freight forwarder do not need to access CDS directly themselves - the agent's software connects to CDS on their behalf. Businesses that submit declarations in-house must use software from the HMRC approved list or connect via the CDS API using their own developer credentials.

What is the difference between a full CDS declaration and a simplified declaration?

A full CDS declaration (also called a standard declaration) requires all declaration data to be submitted at or before the point the goods are imported or exported. A simplified declaration allows businesses holding HMRC Customs Authorisation to submit an initial simplified declaration at the border with less data, followed by a supplementary declaration with the full information within a specified period. Simplified declarations are suited to high-volume traders who need speed at the border. Both types are supported by many, but not all, approved CDS software providers - simplified export declarations in particular are supported by only 14 of the 56 listed providers.

How do I get an EORI number to use CDS?

A UK EORI number is required to subscribe to CDS and submit customs declarations. EORI numbers take the format GB followed by 12 digits, typically based on your VAT registration number with three trailing zeros. Most VAT-registered businesses can apply online via HMRC's EORI registration service and receive their number within hours. Once you have an EORI, subscribe to CDS via your Government Gateway account by selecting "Get access to a tax, duty or scheme" and choosing Customs Declaration Service. You will then need to set up a payment method for duties before your first live declaration.

Does HMRC recommend specific CDS software providers?

No. HMRC explicitly states on the approved software developer list page that it cannot recommend or endorse any one product or service over another. The approved list confirms that providers have agreed to their details being published and have engaged with HMRC's Software Developer Support Team, but it is not a quality endorsement. Businesses should evaluate providers against their own declaration volumes, declaration types, port connectivity requirements, ERP integration needs, and the level of support and training the provider offers. Contact details for all providers are available on the HMRC GOV.UK software developers page.