# New Computerised Transit System

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> NCTS – the New Computerised Transit System – replaces paper-based transit documents with fully electronic declarations for cross-border shipments moving under customs control.

NCTS – the New Computerised Transit System – replaces paper-based transit documents with fully electronic declarations for cross-border shipments moving under customs control. Freight forwarders and customs agents submit transit declarations digitally; the system issues an electronic confirmation and generates a Movement Reference Number (MRN) that travels with the goods from start to finish. The system covers the EU and all contracting parties to the Common Transit Convention, including non-EU countries such as Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Real-time exchanges between offices of departure, transit, and destination give both customs authorities and shippers end-to-end visibility. NCTS governs transit movements under customs seal only – it is distinct from import or export procedures. The current generation, NCTS Phase 5, introduces a harmonised EU data interface and an updated technical architecture.

**Source:** [https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/customs-procedures-import-and-export-0/customs-procedures/transit_en](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/customs-procedures-import-and-export-0/customs-procedures/transit_en)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | New Computerised Transit System |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 130 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/customs-procedures-import-and-export-0/customs-procedures/transit_en |

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