If you’re an NCTS user who moves goods using transit, please read this information carefully. If you represent an NCTS user, please make them aware of this update.
This is the first NCTS5 update of 2023. HMRC will be sending an update each month, with information on how to prepare for the implementation of NCTS5, which will happen on 16 November 2023. You can find each update on GOV.UK.
Read HMRC’s full communication here.
The UK is an independent member of the Common Transit Convention (CTC). Under the terms of the CTC, all members must move to NCTS5, a new version with improved functionality, by 30 November 2023.
HMRC will switch over to NCTS5 from NCTS4 on 16 November 2023. We’re switching over Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) and Northern Ireland at the same time
You’ll need to start submitting transit declarations on NCTS5 from 16 November 2023.
If you use the free-to-use web portal via the Government Gateway to submit your transit movements, you’ll need to enrol onto the new web portal for NCTS5. We’ll let you know nearer the time, how and when you can do this.
If you use a software developer, we’re updating them separately, so they know what they need to do and by when. If you use commercial software to upload your movement information, your software developer will be able to tell you nearer the time, how and when you can get the new software.
Please speak to your clients about the software you’re developing for NCTS5, and when it will be available. From May 2023, you’ll be able to test your product with the new NCTS5 Application Programming Interface (API) and functionality in the equivalent of a live system.
In our updates over the coming months, you can expect detailed information on a range of NCTS5 topics, starting with information this month on in-flight movements.
In-flight movements are those which start their journey in NCTS4 before 16 November 2023 but have not yet arrived at their destination after 16 November 2023 when we’ve switched over to NCTS5.
NCTS allows pre-lodgement of UK departure declarations to be submitted up to 30 days in advance of the movement’s departure. Movements started before 16 November 2023 in NCTS4 will continue their journey as they do currently. If any of those movements have not reached their destination by 30 November 2023, HMRC will perform a manual action to ensure the movement is closed correctly and the guarantee is released.
New Computerised Transit System (NCTS) Phase 5
OFFICIAL
Movements that start on or after 16 November 2023 need to be submitted into the new NCTS5 system, either via software or the free-to-use web portal.
• If you normally pre-lodge your NCTS4 declarations in advance you will need to make sure that any movements have been released prior to the cutover on 16 November 2023. If you do not release the movement before we switch to NCTS5 you will need to raise a new declaration in NCTS5.
• You may want to consider, where practical, reducing the number of declarations you pre-lodge in the lead up to the cutover on 16 November 2023. This will help to mitigate any risk of movements being delayed where they do not clear before the move to NCTS5.
In future updates we will tell you more about:
• Amending pre-lodged declarations
• A new Office of Incident customs role
• Presenting the MRN electronically instead of using a paper Transit Accompanying Document (TAD)
• The ability to enter Multiple House Consignments in one declaration
Please look out for our next update in February which will include information about new data requirements when you start using NCTS5.
Thank you,
HMRC