# Transit Accompanying Document

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> Freight forwarders and customs declarants use the Transit Accompanying Document (TAD) to cover goods travelling through foreign customs territories under a transit procedure.

Freight forwarders and customs declarants use the Transit Accompanying Document (TAD) to cover goods travelling through foreign customs territories under a transit procedure. The TAD carries the key consignment data – goods description, shipper, consignee, transit route, and the MRN (Movement Reference Number) – and accompanies the shipment either as a printed paper copy or is held electronically within the customs system. In the European NCTS, customs offices along the route use the TAD to verify transit status and, where necessary, order a physical examination of the goods. A consignment may generally not leave the office of departure without a valid TAD in place. The TAD is not the same as the TIR Carnet, which operates under a separate international transit regime backed by a guarantee chain.

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

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Transit Accompanying Document |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 127 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/customs-procedures-import-and-export/customs-procedures/transit_en |

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*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/transit-accompanying-document](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/transit-accompanying-document)*

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