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Applying for an excise Customs-controlled area licence

Applicants for a Customs-controlled area (CCA) licence need to provide Customs information about the area and intended operations. This enables Customs to assess whether the area meets the requirements to be licensed as a CCA.

You can use Business Connect to apply for an Off-Site Storage (OSS) licence or to become a Licensed Manufacturing Area for alcohol products.

You must use TSW to make applications for other types of CCA licences.

The Business Connect application form is designed to guide you through providing the information required to submit your application. Experienced TSW users may choose to apply via TSW instead.

How to apply for a CCA licence

  1. Log in to the Business Connect website.
    • If you are registering as a new user, you will be prompted to use a RealMe login. Select the option to create an unverified RealMe login if you don’t already have one.
  2. Navigate to the CCA application form - this link will display the CCA application form at the top of your Business Connect homepage.
  3. Complete the Business Connect application form for a Customs-controlled area licence.
  4. A Customs licensing officer will review your application and may contact you to request further information and arrange a suitable time to visit your site.
  5. Customs will use the information you provided in your application to register your organisation and CCA in TSW.
  6. A Customs licensing officer will provide your licence and licence holder guide.
  1. Prepare the supporting documents you will need for your application. You can find details in the TSW excise client registration and application for a CCA licence guide (PDF, 453 KB).
  2. Log in to TSW or register to be a TSW user.
    • If you are registering as a new user, you will be prompted to use a RealMe login. Select the option to create an unverified RealMe login if you don’t already have one.
  3. Follow the application for a CCA licence guide (PDF, 453 KB) to apply using Trade Single Window. This includes registering your organisation and premises in TSW if they are not already registered. 
  4. A Customs licensing officer will review your application and may contact you to request further information and arrange a suitable time to visit your site.
  5. A Customs licensing officer will provide your licence and licence holder guide.