What Do You Need Before Your First UK Filing?
What Must Be in Place First?
Before your first UK customs filing, you need active CDS access, an active GB EORI, a duty payment method, and connected filing software. Registration alone is not enough. All four must be ready, or your first shipment can stall.
The Setup Behind the List
Getting there means working through registration in order: a business Government Gateway account, a UTR, a GB EORI, then the CDS subscription. Each step depends on the last. The full route is covered in this guide on registering for CDS in the UK.
Your Pre-Filing Checklist
Business Government Gateway account, not a personal one
UTR requested early, as it takes around 10 working days
GB EORI active, usually your VAT number as GB plus 000
Duty payment method chosen: deferment, cash account, or immediate
The One Myth to Drop
There is no separate CDS registration number. Your EORI is your identity in the system, which is why it must be active before you subscribe.
How Long to Allow
Plan for about two weeks. Start early and keep a buffer before any client deadline.
With everything ready, filing is quick. iCDS submits UK import declarations in around three minutes. Watch a demo
