Unable to create OAuth Web Client in Test Application (403 Forbidden error)

API Issues
1

Anybody here for help,

We are integrating our application Productively with the Companies House API using OAuth 2.0.

When we attempt to create a new API client key of type Web inside our Test Application (Productively), we consistently get a 403 Forbidden error immediately after clicking the “Create” button.

We’ve tried:

  • Using both single and multiple redirect URIs (properly formatted with http:// and https://)
  • Logging out/in
  • Different browsers

…but the error persists.

Could you please clarify:

  1. Is there currently a restriction on creating OAuth Web Clients in the Test environment?
  2. Are there any additional requirements or steps we must complete before generating the client_id and client_secret?
  3. If this is a known issue with the beta developer hub, is there a workaround, or can the Web Client be created manually on your side?

Our aim is to obtain OAuth 2.0 credentials to support user authentication flows and securely connect to the Companies House API.

Thanks in advance for your help.

2

Not from Companies House myself - but what is it you are looking to do e.g. are you aiming to automate filing? I believe that doing so via this API is extremely limited at present. Per documentation I believe you can only provide / update registered address, registered email and file some insolvency information. And the test (sandbox) for OAuth is further limited.

(You can search this forum also - use the magnifying glass icon at top right or e.g.:

https://forum.companieshouse.gov.uk/search?q=oauth
)

If you’re instead looking to allow clients to get data, much more can be achieved - and you don’t need OAuth access. If this is what you want, then see documentation for what’s available via individual queries or via listening for real-time updates.

Another option if you want a more full-featured approach there is the Companies House XML Gateway - but that service is not free.

Good luck.