Frequently Asked Questions
Everything traders, hauliers and forwarders ask us about transit
What is a transit declaration?
A transit declaration places goods under a customs transit procedure so that they can move between customs offices — often across borders — without duties or import VAT being paid at each crossing. The most common forms are T1 (external transit, non-Union goods) and T2 (internal transit, Union goods).
When do I need a T1 versus a T2?
T1 is used for non-Union goods (e.g. from a non-EU country moving through the EU or UK) and for Union goods that lose their status. T2 is used to keep Union status on goods that pass through a third territory, such as Union goods travelling between EU member states via Great Britain or an EFTA country.
What is NCTS Phase 5?
NCTS Phase 5 is the upgraded version of the New Computerised Transit System used by the UK and all CTC contracting parties. It introduces new data elements, structured security information, the House Consignment concept and digital seal handling. All transit declarations must now be submitted in Phase 5 format.
Do I need a transit guarantee?
Yes. Every transit movement must be backed by a guarantee to cover the duties and taxes that would otherwise be due. This can be an individual guarantee per movement, a comprehensive guarantee (CGU) for repeated users, a guarantee waiver where eligible, or — for TIR — the international TIR guarantee chain.
Can you use your own guarantee for our movements?
Yes. We act as declarant under our own Comprehensive Guarantee for clients who do not hold their own, and charge a small per-movement fee for the guarantee usage. Alternatively, we can act as your agent against your own guarantee — either model works.
What is a Transit Accompanying Document (TAD)?
The TAD is the printed document that travels with the goods. It carries the Movement Reference Number (MRN) and a bar code that customs officers scan at each Office of Transit and at the Office of Destination to discharge the movement.
How fast can you submit a T1 or T2?
Once we have a complete data set — invoice, packing list, route, vehicle details, seal numbers — most declarations are filed inside 30 minutes. We are available 24/7, so out-of-hours movements are no problem.
Do you handle TIR movements as well?
Yes. We open, manage and discharge TIR Carnet movements at UK Offices of Departure, Transit and Destination, including the digital TIR data submission into NCTS-TIR.
What happens if my transit movement is not discharged?
An undischarged movement can trigger an enquiry procedure and, ultimately, a claim against the guarantee. We monitor every movement we file, chase missing arrival messages with the destination office, and provide proof of arrival where needed to close the file cleanly.
Do you offer support in Turkish?
Yes. Our team is fully bilingual in English and Turkish, which makes us a natural fit for transit movements involving Türkiye, including TIR Carnet operations and CTC movements via Bulgaria and the Balkans.