Guidance

Use the New Computerised Transit System

How to access and use the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS) to submit electronic transit declarations when moving goods.

• From: HM Revenue & Customs
• Published: 14 September 2012
• Last updated: 28 June 2024 — See all updates

Check when to use the NCTS

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

If you’re a UK trader, you must use NCTS if you want to move goods under the Common Transit Convention.

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

You can keep up to date with news affecting NCTS users by reading 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 within Northern Ireland or the EU.

When not to 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 temporary storage 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 a Transit Accompanying Document (TAD) to move goods

Goods moving under the transit procedure may 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 Master Reference Number printed in numeric form and as a barcode. You must print barcodes to the ISO code 128 standard, rather than European Article Number (EAN) 128.

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

You can print the TAD and list of Items at your premises. You’ll need a printer that can print in the legally required format, including the barcode. If your printer is not configured correctly, you can print these at the office of departure. The system authenticates it, so customs do not need to stamp it.

It’s important that the goods and TAD are presented to customs at the office of destination, to 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
• a good quality printer for printing barcodes — to print your TAD and (if applicable) your list of items

To 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 — suitable for traders who are low volume users

Using software

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

If purchasing 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 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 the NCTS web channel

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

After you submit your declaration

By submitting a transit declaration into the NCTS, you’re indicating that you intend to move declared goods 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

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 Master Reference 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 NCTS Phase 5

The NCTS Phase 5 web portal will be available from July 2024.

You can test the NCTS Phase 5 web portal before it launches.

If you need more help

For help or advice, contact the NCTS helpdesk.

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

Published 14 September 2012
Last updated 28 June 2024 + show all updates

1. 28 June 2024

   Use of the Transit Accompanying Document is now optional. Information about printing a Transit Accompanying Document and list of items to accompany it have been updated. You can now present a Master Reference Number digitally.

2. 11 April 2024

   Information about the New Computerised Transit System Phase 5 web portal test service has been added.

3. 1 October 2022

   Information about Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) has been removed. You can no longer use CHIEF for import declarations unless you have permission from HMRC.

4. 11 February 2022

   Information on 'What you need before you move goods' has been added. Sections on 'How to access the New Computerised Transit System' and 'What happens after you submit your declaration' have been added. Sections on ‘If you’re a trader in Great Britain moving goods using transit’ and all other sections until 'If you need more help using the New Computerised Transit System' have been removed.

5. 31 December 2020

   This page has been updated with information about using NCTS from 1 January 2021.

6. 3 December 2020

   The telephone numbers for the HMRC Central Community Transit Office and HMRC Simplification teams have been updated.

7. 31 October 2018

   The telephone numbers for the HMRC Central Community Transit Office and HMRC Simplification teams has been updated.

8. 11 June 2018

   The Simplifications Team and Central Community Transit Office contact phone numbers have been updated.

9. 25 May 2018

   Guidance on how to register and enrol for NCTS online service has been updated.

10. 28 February 2018

    The address and phone number to send applications for simplified procedures has changed.

11. 5 April 2016

    Updates made to reflect changes resulting from the introduction of the Union Customs Code.

12. 25 June 2013

    Removed 'Croatia'.

13. 13 June 2013

    Fixing references to specialist guides

14. 14 September 2012

    First published.