GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

NCTS EU

The New Computerised Transit System (NCTS) is the European Union's electronic platform for managing customs transit procedures.

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Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/customs-procedures-import-and-export/customs-procedures/transit_en

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Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

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Definition & Explanation

The New Computerised Transit System (NCTS) is the European Union's electronic platform for managing customs transit procedures. It replaces paper transit documents with electronic declarations and assigns a unique MRN (Movement Reference Number) to every transit movement, enabling departure, transit, and destination customs offices to track consignments in real time. Freight forwarders and customs declarants rely on NCTS for all shipments moving under the Union Transit procedure or the Common Transit Convention – covering both intra-EU movements and transits to or through third countries such as Switzerland and Norway. The system validates that lodged guarantees cover the potential customs debt and triggers automatic discharge once correct arrival at destination is confirmed. NCTS is distinct from the ECS (Export Control System), which handles export declarations.

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NCTS (New Computerised Transit System)

NCTS (New Computerised Transit System) is the electronic IT system for handling transit procedures, allowing goods to move under c…

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NCTS message

NCTS messages enter the picture as soon as goods are electronically declared under a transit procedure in the New Computerised Tra…

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NCTS Response Message

A freight forwarder submits an NCTS transit declaration and, shortly after, receives an NCTS Response Message from the customs sys…

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NCTS shipping status

Customs agents, freight forwarders and logistics operators rely on the NCTS shipping status to track where a consignment stands in…

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A driver arrives at the destination customs office with the consignment – what follows is the unloading notification: the NCTS unl…

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Customs authorities issue an NCTS control decision when a transit movement under the New Computerised Transit System is selected f…

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⚡ Current 2026

Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

Passar replaces E-dec and NCTS. Passar 1.0 (export) is live, Passar 2.0 (import) starts from Q2 2026. Roadmap, ePortal registration, deadlines and FAQ — all on one page.

Passar 1.0Passar 2.0 → Q2 2026Passar 3.0 → Q2 2027

Passar Hub →Declar Info

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NCTS EU

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Related Terms

NCTS (New Computerised Transit System)

NCTS message

NCTS Response Message

NCTS shipping status

NCTS unloading status

NCTS control decision

Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

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