Obligation, format and value errorsObligation

CDS10003Obligation error: Number of Occurrences exceeds what is allowed for the Data Element

HMRC explanation

Too many instances of a data element

You have exceeded the limit for one of the fields on the declaration. For example, only 1 preference code can be declared against an item.

Source: HMRC, Customs Declaration Service error codes, Open Government Licence v3.0. GOV.UK publication · Licence

What to check across the Obligation, format and value errors

A single data element has failed: it is missing or incomplete, not allowed on this declaration, repeated more often than permitted, in the wrong format, or carries a value that is not recognised. Check the element named in the error is completed in full, in the expected format, and only where the declaration type allows it. A negative item customs value points back to the valuation data on that item.

A declaration that clears CDS can still be wrong

The free eligibility checker confirms your import activity and whether a free post-clearance audit applies. No data upload, no commitment.

Source: HMRC, Customs Declaration Service error codes, Open Government Licence v3.0. GOV.UK publication · Licence