Using the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS) to move goods

The New Computerised Transit System (NCTS) is a system of electronic declaration and processing that traders must use to submit Common Transit declarations. You can also use NCTS to submit Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) declarations electronically if you’re in Northern Ireland.

The NCTS will process the declaration and control the transit movement. It’s used by the UK, all member states of the EU and the signatories of the Common Transit Convention.

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

The TIR procedure is used for transit operations that begin, end or transit a third (non-EU) country that has signed the TIR convention. You’ll also have to declare such goods to NCTS for any part of the journey taking place within Northern Ireland or the EU.

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

Exceptions to NCTS

There are some exceptions to NCTS for goods moving by air, sea, or rail.

Find out more about moving goods under the Temporary Storage procedure.

You cannot use NCTS to make Proof of Union Status declarations (T2L) documents.

Economic Operator Registration Identification (EORI) Number

Unless you use an agent to make your transit declaration, you must be registered as an Economic Operator, and once registered, use your EORI number on your NCTS declarations. Read more about the Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) Scheme.