NCTS (New Computerised Transit System)
European IT system managing customs transit operations electronically between all connected customs offices.
The NCTS (New Computerised Transit System) is the trans-European IT system that digitises the management of customs transit operations. It connects customs offices of all EU Member States and Common Transit Convention countries (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Turkey, North Macedonia, Serbia, UK, etc.).
The system enables real-time tracking of each transit operation: opening at the office of departure, monitoring at offices of transit, and discharge at the office of destination. All information is exchanged electronically via the CCN/CSI (Common Communication Network), eliminating the need for paper documents accompanying the goods.
Phase 5 of NCTS, progressively deployed since 2023, aligns the system with UCC requirements and introduces major improvements: new data types, enhanced interoperability with other customs systems (AES, AIS), and support for automatic border crossing notifications.
In case of incidents (non-presentation of goods, deadline overruns), NCTS automatically triggers alerts and enquiry procedures. The system also calculates any customs debts due and informs the competent authorities for recovery.