• What is XML?


• What does the XML Gateway do?


• What information is available through the XML Gateway?


• Are there any limits to the amount of information I can obtain through the Companies House XML Gateway?


• What do I need to do to use the XML Gateway?


• How do I apply for an XML Gateway account?


• How much is the XML Gateway?


• How and when will information charges be billed?


• Who controls information usage?


• Is there a guide to using the data provided through the Companies House XML Gateway?


• How long does it take to set up an account?


• Do I need to have a separate account if I already have an account with CHD?


• I am having difficulty using the '&' character in the XML Gateway.

What is XML?
XML stands for Extensible Markup Language. This is a universal format for structuring and representing data and documents so that they can be exchanged electronically.

Further details can be found at http://www.w3c.org.

What does the XML Gateway do?
The XML Gateway provides online access over the internet into Companies House databases for customers to draw company information into their own applications or web pages.

What information is available through the XML Gateway?
The XML Gateway provides access to a range of electronic information, including Company Names, Addresses, Status, Directors, Filing History, Charges, and Downloadable Documents including Annual Accounts.

Click here to download 'XML Gateway Information Options' (PDF 112K) providing details of the information available via the Companies House XML Gateway.

Are there any limits to the amount of information I can obtain through the Companies House XML Gateway?
A single account can receive a maximum of 2 replies per second through the XML Gateway.

What do I need to do to use the XML Gateway?
To use the XML Gateway you need to develop software that can exchange XML over HTTP. Companies House provides appropriate XML schemas and an Interface Specification.

How do I apply for an XML Gateway account?
Request an application form by emailing xml@companieshouse.gov.uk providing your name, address and telephone details.

How much is the XML Gateway?
Please click here for a full price list for the XML Gateway.

How and when will information charges be billed?
XML Gateway customers receive an electronic billing file listing all chargeable transactions made on the XML file specification.

Billing files are provided as a comma delimited text file comprising the following fields for each chargeable transaction [field length shown in brackets].

• CH - Fixed Record Header [2]
• Customer Account Number [6]
• User Reference [max 24]
• Date of Search [8]
• Time of Search [8]
• Name of Company or Director Searched [max 35]
• Number of Company Searched (where applicable) [max 8]
• Made-up-Date of Accounts and Annual Returns (where applicable) [8]
• Product Code [max 15]

All charges incurred during a given month are invoiced during the first week of the following month.

Who controls information usage?
XML Gateway customers control all end-user activity, including sign-on, access, invoicing, credit management and support.

Is there a guide to using the data provided through the Companies House XML Gateway?
Yes. Click here to download a Data Usage Guide (PDF 362K). Note however, that Companies House cannot take responsibility for a customer's interpretation or use of any data provided.

How long does it take to set up an account?
It takes up to five working days to set up an XML Gateway account.

Do I need to have a separate account if I already have an account with Companies House?
Yes, it is a different service and requires a separate account.

I am having difficulty using the '&' character in the XML Gateway.
It had to be encoded as '&' to be used on the gateway.