Obligation, format and value errorsDomain & value

CDS10010Format error: data element has invalid format

HMRC explanation

Invalid format

One of the data elements does not comply with the minimum/maximum number of characters or uses characters not permitted. For example, the country code field with the address must only use alphabetic characters.

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