Think of It as Provisioning
Before a freight forwarder can file a UK customs declaration, a specific stack of access and accounts has to exist. Miss one layer and the first shipment stalls. The dependencies run in order, so it helps to treat setup like provisioning an environment.
The Dependency Chain
The GB EORI number comes first because everything hangs off it and processing can take a few working days. Then a Government Gateway account, then a subscription to the Customs Declaration Service through HMRC. Most agents connect their filing software at the same stage, since almost nobody files through HMRC's own interface. Finally, a payment method for duty and VAT, either a duty deferment account or a cash account held with HMRC. Each step, and what can block it, is covered in this UK customs guide for freight forwarders.
The Checklist Version
- GB EORI: request first, longest lead time
- Government Gateway: account created
- CDS: subscription active
- Software: connected and tested
- Payments: deferment or cash account approved
One Design Decision Before Go-Live
Agents filing for clients act as either direct or indirect representatives. That setting determines who carries liability for errors, so agree it per client before the first entry, the same way you would settle permissions before granting access.
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