Guidance

Report exports that arrived or left a UK port that were not notified in CDS

Tell HMRC about exports that were not notified through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), when they arrived or left the UK port.

• From: HM Revenue & Customs
• Published: 19 August 2021
• Last updated: 3 September 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 3 September 2026

     Information about the service to send documents has been removed as it is no longer available.

  2. 12 March 2026

     Information about the use of C1602 and C1603 forms has been updated.

  3. 13 May 2025

     Information about excise duty suspended goods or goods covered by a standard individual export licence (SIEL) that depart from other locations has been updated.

  4. 29 April 2024

     A Welsh translation has been added.

  5. 29 April 2024

     Information about using this service to tell HMRC about your goods has been updated.

  6. 19 August 2021

     Added translation

Use the forms on this page to tell HMRC when your goods:

• arrive at a UK port which does not use an inventory linked system for exports or the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) for exports and an approved loader is not available
• depart from a UK port which does not use an inventory linked system for exports or GVMS for exports and an approved loader is not available
• are exported, and you did not get clearance from HMRC in advance
• are excise duty suspended goods or goods covered by a standard individual export licence (SIEL) that depart from other locations:
  • which use an inventory linked system for exports
  • which use GVMS for exports
  • where an approved loader is available

Before you start

You’ll need:

• the Declaration Unique Consignment Reference (DUCR)
• the Master Unique Consignment Reference (MUCR) if your goods were consolidated into a bigger consignment
• details of where you’re sending the export to and from
• documents that support your declaration, for example:
  • any licences or certificates
  • commercial invoices
  • transport documentation
  • proof of export (for forms C1602 or C1603)

Report your exports

You must complete one of the following forms online, save a copy and send it to the email address provided in the form:

• to arrive goods (C1601)
• to depart goods (C1602)
• to arrive and depart goods exported without clearance from HMRC in advance (C1603)

You cannot use forms C1602 and C1603 for indirect exports from Northern Ireland through an EU country.

You’ll need to attach all the documents that support your declaration when you send the form.