# NCTS security guarantee

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> Once a consignment enters the NCTS transit procedure, the principal must lodge a security guarantee with the customs office of departure.

Once a consignment enters the NCTS transit procedure, the principal must lodge a security guarantee with the customs office of departure. This financial guarantee covers the import duties and taxes that could fall due if the goods fail to reach their declared destination or if transit obligations are breached. The guarantee remains blocked until the customs office of destination electronically confirms proper arrival and discharges the declaration – only then is the deposited amount released. The required amount and accepted forms are governed by the Union Customs Code and national implementing rules; authorised economic operators (AEO) may, under certain conditions, use a comprehensive guarantee with a reduced reference amount. The security guarantee should not be confused with the guarantee type (the specific financial instrument used) or the guarantee reference number (the unique identifier assigned to the lodged security).

**Source:** [https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/union-customs-code_en](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/union-customs-code_en)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | NCTS security guarantee |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 138 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/union-customs-code_en |

---

*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/ncts-security-guarantee](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/ncts-security-guarantee)*

*Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/ncts-security-guarantee](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/ncts-security-guarantee)*

*JSON summary: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/ncts-security-guarantee/llm-summary?lang=en](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/ncts-security-guarantee/llm-summary?lang=en)*