✅ Understanding Common Transit Procedure (CTP) and NCTS – A Practical Guide for Freight Forwarders
When shipping goods across Europe, navigating customs clearance and managing taxes can become complex and costly. Fortunately, the Common Transit Procedure (CTP) and the New Computerized Transit System (NCTS) work together to simplify cross-border movements and significantly reduce import-related expenses. In this article, I’ll guide you through both systems in a clear Q&A format—drawing from real-world freight forwarding experience.
🧭 What is the Common Transit Procedure (CTP)?
The Common Transit Procedure (CTP) streamlines customs processes by allowing goods to move across several countries without the immediate payment of duties and import taxes. This procedure currently applies to:
All EU member states
EFTA countries such as Switzerland and Norway
The United Kingdom
Turkey, North Macedonia, Serbia, and a few others
Instead of clearing goods at each border, CTP allows you to defer customs clearance and taxation until the goods reach their final destination. This not only saves time but also reduces administrative burdens during transit.
💻 What is the New Computerized Transit System (NCTS)?
The New Computerized Transit System (NCTS) is the digital backbone of the CTP. It manages all transit declarations, real-time updates, and discharge procedures through a fully electronic workflow.
With NCTS in place, freight forwarders and exporters no longer rely on paper forms. Instead, they submit transit declarations electronically, track shipment status, and receive automatic notifications from customs at each key milestone. As a result, the entire process becomes more transparent, traceable, and compliant.
📊 Suggested visual: Transit flowchart
🛠 How does NCTS work in practice?
To better understand the system, let’s walk through how NCTS operates step by step:
First, the exporter or freight forwarder submits a T1 or T2 transit declaration through the NCTS platform.
Then, the system automatically notifies customs authorities in each country along the planned route.
As the shipment moves, each border crossing is recorded in real time, ensuring visibility and compliance.
Once the goods arrive at the destination, the consignee or customs broker completes the import clearance.
Finally, the system confirms discharge, and the corresponding financial guarantee is released.
Thanks to this digital workflow, NCTS makes EU customs transit faster, more transparent, and easier to manage from origin to destination.
🚛 Which shipments qualify for CTP and NCTS?
If you’re moving goods across several countries in Europe without clearing customs at each border, then CTP and NCTS offer an ideal solution. For example:
Chinese-origin goods entering the EU via the Netherlands and heading to Germany
EU-manufactured products moving through Switzerland
UK exports destined for France or Belgium
In all of these scenarios, CTP and NCTS allow for efficient transit with reduced customs interventions.
✅ Moreover, most types of commercial cargo—machinery, electronics, timber, textiles, and more—qualify for simplified movement under this system.
📄 What are T1 and T2 transit documents?
Under the NCTS framework, your goods will travel under one of two transit documents:
T1 – Used when moving non-EU goods through EU or Common Transit Convention countries
T2 – Applied when transporting EU goods within the Common Transit area without immediate customs clearance
Both documents are generated and processed electronically, enabling efficient and fully traceable international transit.
💰 Do I need a financial guarantee for NCTS?
Yes.
To ensure tax and duty security, shippers must provide either:
A single guarantee for one shipment
Or a comprehensive guarantee that covers multiple transit movements
Once the shipment is discharged at the destination, the system releases the guarantee automatically.
Can UK companies still use CTP after Brexit?
Absolutely.
Although the UK is no longer in the EU, it remains a member of the Common Transit Convention. Therefore, UK exporters can still move goods under NCTS and CTP to the EU and other participating countries.
Key Benefits of Using CTP + NCTS
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| 📉 Lower costs | No import VAT or duties at each border |
| 📑 Fully digital | Paperless customs procedures via NCTS |
| 🚦 Faster clearance | No need for customs declarations in every country |
| 🔍 Real-time tracking | Every movement logged and visible across systems |
| 🔐 Guarantee security | Duty guarantees are held and released automatically |
Real-Life Example: Reducing Costs with CTP and NCTS
Just recently, we managed a container shipment from Shanghai to Austria, routing it through the Port of Rotterdam. Instead of clearing customs in the Netherlands, we applied a T1 transit document using the NCTS system, allowing the goods to move smoothly through the country without delays or additional taxes.
Upon arrival in Austria, the shipment underwent final clearance and taxation. Thanks to this strategic use of CTP and NCTS, our client avoided unnecessary customs fees along the way and saved approximately 8% in VAT and related charges.
This case demonstrates how leveraging transit procedures effectively can result in real financial benefits and greater supply chain efficiency.
Need Help with EU Customs Transit?
If you’re planning to export goods to Europe, and you’re looking to simplify customs procedures, cut transit costs, and stay fully compliant, our team is ready to support you.
We provide:
End-to-end management of T1 and T2 transit documents
Full support with NCTS declarations and monitoring
Practical solutions tailored for international shipping to Europe
👉 Reach out today to discover how we can streamline your shipments and boost your bottom line.
