June 2024 — NCTS Phase 5: planned downtime
Updated 5 December 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.
Implementation of NCTS5 and downtime
To ensure the transition from NCTS4 to NCTS5 in Northern Ireland (NI) and Great Britain (GB) takes place with minimal disruption for traders, planned downtime will be taking place on:
- Friday 28 June 2024 for NCTS5 in NI (XI)
- Monday 1 July 2024 for NCTS5 in GB
Some providers of commercial software will be switching their software from NCTS4 to NCTS5 on 1 July 2024 to ensure this takes place after both changes have been implemented.
Commercial software providers should be contacting affected clients to confirm they cannot switch over their NCTS5 software until 1 July 2024. However, it’s recommended that businesses proactively check with their providers in advance of 28 June 2024.
While NCTS is down, you should avoid moving goods under the normal procedure, which requires attending inland border facilities (IBFs) or ports to start movements.
What this means for you
Planned downtime — XI service users
On Friday 28 June 2024 the XI service will be unavailable between 9am to 4pm.
Before this time you’ll need to:
- discharge all arrivals where possible, to avoid delays, as HMRC need to do this manually while the system is unavailable
- make sure you have received the release for transit notification for any submitted declarations in order to move the goods
If your software provider cannot switch from NCTS4 to NCTS5 until 1 July 2024, you should:
- submit and release all XI declarations for goods moving between 28 June 2024 and 1 July 2024 before 9am on 28 June 2024 if you are an authorised consignor
- re-plan your movement of goods between 28 June 2024 and 1 July 2024 if you are moving goods under the normal procedure
- use the web portal following the downtime on Friday 28 June 2024 to submit declarations
While NCTS4 in XI is unavailable, the GB NCTS4 service will still be online and available to submit declarations.
Planned downtime — GB service users
On Monday 1 July 2024 the GB service will be unavailable between 6am and 1pm.
Before this time you’ll need to:
- discharge all arrivals where possible, to avoid delays if HMRC need to do this manually while the system is unavailable
- submit and release all declarations for goods moving on 1 July 2024 if you are an authorised consignor or consignee
While NCTS4 in GB is unavailable, the new XI NCTS5 will be online and available to submit declarations.
If you’re unable to submit declarations prior to downtime
If you must move goods and have been unable to submit the declarations prior to the start of system downtime, you will be able to use the existing manual fall-back procedure. Although we recommend you do not travel to an Inland Border Facility (IBF) to start a transit movement until the system is available.
You can find the manual fall-back process in the Transit Manual Supplement.