How to Access Your Customs Data from GOV.UK
A step-by-step guide to downloading your HMRC customs declaration data and getting the most from it with CAT360.
What is the Customs Data Service?
HMRC offers a complimentary self-service portal allowing UK businesses to retrieve their Customs Declaration Service (CDS) information. The system delivers detailed reports on import and export declarations, enabling you to maintain records, support audits, and monitor activity over time.
What you need before you start
EORI Number (GB)
Your Economic Operator Registration and Identification number beginning with GB. Apply for an EORI if you don't have one.
Government Gateway Account
An individual or organisational user ID (not agent credentials). Create an account if needed.
CDS Subscription
An active Customs Declaration Service subscription linked to your Government Gateway account.
CDS Registration (if needed)
If you haven't already subscribed to the Customs Declaration Service, registration takes approximately 7–8 minutes. You'll need:
- Business address
- Email contact
- Unique Taxpayer Reference or National Insurance number
- VAT registration details
- SIC code (for companies, partnerships, sole traders, charities, public bodies)
Note: The system will automatically create your EORI number if you don't already have one. You cannot register multiple EORI numbers using identical Government Gateway credentials.
How to access your customs data
Go to GOV.UK
Navigate to the GOV.UK customs data service page and click ‘Start now’.
Sign in
Sign in with your Government Gateway credentials. Select ‘Government Gateway’ and enter your user ID and password.
Select your report type
Choose from four available report types (see table below).
Set your date range
Specify up to 31 consecutive days within the past 4 years (excluding the last 2 days).
Confirm and submit
Review your request details and confirm.
Wait for your report
Reports are typically generated within 72 hours.
Download
Download the CSV file from your account. Files are available for 10 days.
Best practice: Request data aligned with calendar months so every day is covered and it's easier to track your data requests.
Available report types
| Report Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Import Item Report | Item-level details including commodity codes, values, and quantities. |
| Import Header Report | Declaration summaries with reference numbers and dates. |
| Import Tax Lines Report | Duty and tax information for financial reconciliation. |
| Export Item Report | Export declaration data with destinations and goods descriptions. |
Grant third-party access to Barbourne Brook
Instead of downloading and uploading reports manually, you can grant Barbourne Brook direct access to retrieve your customs data on your behalf. This enables:
- Automatic data retrieval — no manual downloads
- Direct upload into CAT360 for continuous analysis
- Always up-to-date dashboards and insights
- Seamless, hands-off data management
How to grant access
Sign in
Sign into the GOV.UK Get Customs Data Service.
Navigate to ‘Give Data Access’
Click ‘Add a third party’ to begin sharing your data.
Confirm data ownership
Select ‘Yes, I own the customs declaration data’ and click Continue.
Enter Barbourne Brook's EORI
Use our EORI number: GB331960313000
Set reference name
Enter Barbourne Brook as the reference name.
Set access period
We recommend selecting ongoing access so there's no renewal required.
Select data types
Choose Import and Export with all data types selected.
Review and confirm
Check the details and confirm. You can remove access at any time through the same portal.
Important: Access is limited to data retrieval only — no modifications to your account are possible. You can remove access at any time. For help, contact enquiries@barbournebrook.co.uk or call +44 (0)1905 975 399.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about accessing your HMRC customs data.
Visit the GOV.UK registration page. You'll need basic personal or business information to create an account.
Check your spam folder, then sign in to verify download availability. If the issue remains unresolved, contact HMRC directly.
Yes, but you must submit separate requests per EORI number. Each EORI must be linked to a Government Gateway account.
No. There are no limitations on request frequency. Submit as many requests as you need.
All reports are provided as CSV files, compatible with Excel, Google Sheets, and analytics tools like CAT360.
Yes, the service is completely free for EORI numbers starting with GB. Reports for XI EORI numbers may require payment.
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