How do I enter goods location codes in a CDS export declaration?

The Goods location code

The CDS goods location code consists of the following parts:

• Country code
• Type of location
• Location identifier
• Code (e.g. DVRDOVDVR) **
• ** If using a GVMS port, GVM is added to the code (e.g. DVRDOVDVRGVM). See the relevant Government website for these codes).
• ** If using a shed code, it is added to the code (e.g. DVRDOVDVRPDE).

The individual parts are entered separately to make up the goods location code (declared in data element 5/23). For a list of Goods location codes, check the relevant HMRC website.

Types of location

• A: Designated location (Border)
• B: Authorised place
• C: Approved place (Certificate of agreement airports)
• D: Other (e.g. gas pipelines)

Location Identifiers

• T: Postal code
• U: UN/LOCODE
• V: Customs office identifier
• W: GPS Coordinates
• X: EORI number
• Y: Authorisation number
• Z: Free text

Multiple appendices exist for different types of locations. 

Most locations use GB, A and U as the country code, location type and identifier.

Note: Be aware of the different requirements for RoRo and GVMS location codes:

• Appendix 16R: RoRo location codes (goods from ROI to GB)
• Appendix 16S: GVMS location codes

Entering the Goods location code

To enter the goods location information, follow the steps below:

• Open the export declaration and select the Export declaration tab.
• Locate the Goods location section. 
  
• Select, or enter the Country, Type and Identifier.
• Enter the relevant Agreed goods loc.

The information can also be populated using a template. 

CDS Error 12099

If a CDS 12099 error is received, the goods location information has been entered incorrectly. You need to ensure that a valid goods location code has been entered and that each element of the code is entered in the correct field (as shown above). A common mistake is that the country, type and identifier are included in the Agreed goods loc. field, when they should be entered separately.

Selecting the Correct Goods Location

It is important to check that the goods location code entered is correct for the type of declaration being submitted.

Some locations require declarations to be submitted as pre-lodged, while others require declarations to be submitted as arrived.

Some locations operate inventory linking and GVMS (carrier dependent) for imports, but do not operate GVMS for exports. Failure to submit a CDS export pre-lodged declaration with the correct goods location code may result in your declaration being invalidated upon arrival and will require corrective action to be taken.

The following HMRC websites display which ports use GVMS, whether pre-lodged or arrived declarations are to be submitted, and the codes to be used.

• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/list-of-ports-using-the-goods-vehicle-movement-service
• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/goods-vehicle-movement-service-codes-for-data-element-523-of-the-customs-declaration-service