Background

HMRC advised NCTS users in November 2022 that the UK will move to NCTS Phase 5 on November 16^th, 2023. 

You can see all of their previous updates on GOV.UK.

Common Transit Convention (CTC) member country delays

HMRC are now aware that some members of the CTC will not have NCTS 5 up and running for November 2023.

To ensure goods can continue moving into and out of these countries, the NCTS translation service between NCTS4 and NCTS5 will stay live to continue translating messages as it does now.

What this means for the UK

The UK will still be moving to NCTS5 on November 16^th, 2023. All new transit declarations for movements on or after November 16^th must be submitted to NCTS5.

To allow more time for UK transit users to prepare for some of the changes coming with NCTS5, the following NCTS5 functions will now be implemented at a later date: 

• Commodity Codes - You can still enter a Commodity Code into NCTS5 voluntarily. However, it will be optional. HMRC will let you know in advance when this is due to change.
• Electronic presentation of MRN (Movement Reference Number) – Until all CTC member countries use NCTS5, there will still be a requirement to carry the paper Transit Accompanying Document (TAD) with your goods. HMRC will let you know when you can opt to present the MRN electronically, rather than carry a paper TAD.
• Office of Incident – You will continue to record the details of any incidents that happen during the journey onto the paper TAD as you do now. We will let you know when the new Office of Incident role can record real-time incidents during the journey.

HMRC will continue to provide further updates and guidance to support you with preparing for the switch to NCTS5 on 16^th November 2023 and for the NCTS5 functions that will now be implemented at a later date.