Relation, authorisation and sequence errorsRelation & missing element

CDS12072Relation error: Either Data Element 1 or Data Element 2 must be supplied, but not both

HMRC explanation

Relation error

This could be an unacceptable combination of values at header and item level, for example gross weight has been declared at both header and item level.

Or EORI as well as name and address has been declared for consignee, consignor or buyer.

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

What to check across the Relation, authorisation and sequence errors

Two elements, or a value and a rule, disagree. Read both elements together: completing one element with a particular code often requires another value, and the fault is frequently in the element you did not change. The family also covers parties and authorisations that are not recognised, references that must be unique, and messages sent out of sequence.

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.

Run a free audit

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