Use the New Computerised Transit System

Check when toyou should use the NCTS

The New Computerised Transit System (NCTS) is an online system for submitting transit declarations and notifications to HMRC.

If you’reyou are a UK trader, you mustshould use the NCTS if you want to movesubmit goodselectronic undertransit the Common Transit Convention.declarations.

The Common Transit procedure can be used for movements between the UK, the EU and other common transit countries.

You must use the system if you’re a trader and want to move goods under the Common Transit Convention.

You can keep up to date with news affecting affecting NCTS users users by reading the the transit newsletters.

If you use the Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) procedure

The TIR procedure is used for transit operations that begin, end, or move through a third (non-EU) country that has signed the TIR convention.

You must declare these goods to the NCTS for any part of the journey taking place within Northern Ireland or the EU.

WhenCheck notwhen toyou cannot use the NCTS

You cannot use the system:

• for certain goods moving by air, sea, or rail — find out more in the Transit Manual Supplement
• for certain movements of goods between approved temporaryTemporary storageStorage facilities
• to submit proof of Union status declarations (T2L) documents

What you need before you move goods

To move goods and use the NCTS, you need:

• an EORI number or common transit country trader identification number
• your business address
• a guarantee
• the Customs Declaration Service entry number (for free circulation goods)
• details of the vehicle transporting the goods
• a description of the goods

You can use transit simplified procedures when moving goods under transit.

Using

How to use a Transittransit Accompanyingaccompanying Documentdocument (TAD) to move goods

Goods moving under the transit procedure maymust be accompanied by a TAD for presentation at their destination. This is useful if:

• the goods are diverted
• there are any incidents during transit

This document includes your consignment’s Mastermovement Referencereference Numbernumber printed(printed in numeric form and as a barcode.barcode). You must print barcodes to the ISO code 128 standard, rather than European Article Number (EAN) 128.

When consigning multiple items, you must includealso send a list of the items with the TAD.

YouThe can print the TAD andcan listbe ofprinted Items at yourthe premises.customs You’lloffice needof adeparture printeror thatat canyour printown inpremises, theif legally required format, including the barcode. If your printer is not configured correctly, you can print thesebarcodes. atIt theis officeauthenticated ofby departure.the Thesystem, system authenticates it, so customsdoes do not need to stampbe it.stamped by customs.

It’s important that the goods and TAD areis presented to customs at the office of destination, toso they can inform the NCTS that the goods have arrived.

You can present the TAD Master Reference Number with a barcode digitally, as an alternative to paper.

What you need to use the NCTS

To use the online service, you need:

• a Government Gateway user ID — if you do not have a user ID, you can create one the first time you register
• access to a computer that can download and print Adobe Acrobat PDF documents
• specific settings enabled on your internet browser
• a good quality printer forthat printingcan print barcodes — tothis is so you can print your TAD and (if applicable) youra list of items

ToHow to access the NCTS

YouTo access the NCTS, you can use either:

• third party software — this may be useful if you’re running a larger business and it’s possible to integrate it with other import or export software
• the free-to-use NCTS web channel — suitablethis is designed for traders who are low volume users

UsingIf you choose to use software

You can develop your own software for delivering messages direct from your organisation, or you can use a service provider that will do this on your behalf.

If purchasingyou want to purchase software, you should read the list of known software providers.

If you want to develop your own software, contact the Software Developers Support Team by emailing: SDSTeam@hmrc.gov.uk.

Your software must be fully compatible with the NCTS, and able to connect using the Common Transit Convention trader application programming interface (API).

You should check with your suppliers before buying software. When developing your software, you must successfully complete specific test scenarios before use.using it.

UsingIf you choose to use the NCTS web channel

To use the NCTS web channel, you must set up an account to use the NCTS to send transit declarations.

AfterWhat happens after you submit your declaration

By submitting a transit declaration into the NCTS, you’re indicating that you intend to move declaredthe goods you’ve declared through a specified route to a final destination.

If there are any errors, the system will tell you what you need to correct before your declaration can be accepted.

If your declaration is accepted

accepted:

1. The customs office of departure will be notified.

2. The customs office will check and validate your request before your goods are released.

3. The system will send you a Mastermovement Referencereference Number.number.

4. Your goods will be allowed to travel by Border Force.

5. When your goods are released, the system will tell any other customs offices involved in the journey that the goods are on their way.
   

Test the NCTSNew Computerised Transit System Phase 5

The New Computerised Transit System (NCTS) Phase 5 web portal will be available from July 2024.

You can test the NCTS Phase 5 web portal before it launches.launches using our online service.

If you need more help using the NCTS

For help or advice, contact the NCTS helpdesk.

You can find out how to unenrollunenrol your business or a staff member inby reading the New Computerised Transit System: supporting guidance.