Guidance

May 2024 — NCTS Phase 5: Electronic Movement Reference Number (MRN)

Updated 31 October 2024

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To help you prepare for the introduction of New Computerised Transit System Phase 5 (NCTS5) on 1 July 2024, we are issuing updates each month.

You can find all our updates on GOV.UK.

What’s changing

As part of NCTS5 implementation, from 22 January 2025 National Administrations will have the flexibility to digitally capture and process transit movements to simplify border crossings. This means it will be possible to present the Movement Reference Number (MRN) electronically.

The MRN for the transit movement must always be accessible by the driver or person in charge of the goods to ensure that it can be provided where required.

What this means for you

For inbound movements at Goods Vehicle Movement Service border locations in the UK, where the Transit MRN is included in the Goods Movement Reference, the office of transit functions will be completed electronically, and any examination requirements communicated by Goods Vehicle Movement Service. HMRC is currently working with Border Force to determine how electronic presentation can work at the office of destination and will provide further detail on this in the summer.

At non-Goods Vehicle Movement Service border locations, you will need to present the MRN as a linear barcode for Border Force to complete office of transit and destination formalities. We recommend that drivers continue to carry the paper TAD to ensure that movements are dealt with as efficiently as possible.

For outbound movements at the office of departure, whilst National Administrations transition to digitally capture and process transit movements, Border Force will continue to print the paper TAD for the driver, where required. This will ensure they are equipped with the MRN and the linear barcode for presentation at offices of transit and destination in other National Administrations.

Where transit movements start at an Authorised Consignor premises, the form in which the MRN and linear barcode is communicated to the driver, should be determined by the Authorised Consignor. This could be done electronically using:

  • an app
  • email
  • SMS exchange where the driver is equipped with a smart phone or tablet

Alternatively, the current process of printing the paper TAD can continue.

Authorised Consignors must consider how customs authorities in other National Administrations will be able to accept presentation of the MRN when deciding the:

  • best way to communicate the MRN
  • linear barcode to the driver

Where transit movements end at an Authorised Consignee premises, the form in which the MRN and linear barcode are presented to them, should be determined by the Authorised Consignee. They should ensure this information is communicated to the driver before arrival. Authorised Consignees could accept the MRN electronically by such things as:

  • an app
  • email
  • SMS exchange
  • continuing to accept a paper TAD

The paper TAD must continue to be carried with all goods up to and including 22 January 2025. After this date, where electronic presentation is not possible, a paper TAD will always be accepted.

Refer to each National Administration and border location, to understand their local procedures.

Look out for our next update which will include information about Multiple House Consignments.

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