The New Computerised Transit System (NCTS) is the Europe-wide digital online system for submitting transit declarations and notifications to HMRC. 

NCTS is planned to be upgraded from the present operational NCTS6 Phase 1 to NCTS6 Phase 2 on June 1^st, 2026, with NCTS Phase 1 implemented in September 2025.  

NCTS6 Phase 2 implementation will require NCTS downtime and NCTS user preparation to update to the requirements of NCTS6 Phase 2 as Phase 2 is deployed into service.

Detailed information can be found at the link below:

HMRC Preparation to Implement NCTS6 Phase 2

Planned downtime

There will be a short period of NCTS downtime on 1st June 2026, affecting both the Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (XI) NCTS services. The NCTS services are planned to be unavailable as follows:

Monday 1^st June 2026: From 07:00 to 09.00 

HMRC have confirmed both services are expected to be fully restored by 09:00 on 1^st June

Important Notes:

Messages relating to Inbound and Outbound movements generated during the scheduled downtime will be queued until the service has been restored and then will progress as normal. 

Important information during downtime

• Ensure the usual procedures for exports and imports are followed, such as getting a Goods Movement Reference if moving via a GVMS location.
• It is strongly recommended that normal movements should not be started during downtime where the movement would require attendance at Inland Border Facilities (IBFs) or ports.
• If it is necessary to move goods during the downtime, submit the relevant declarations prior to the beginning of the downtime.
• If declaration submissions cannot be made before the downtime begins, the Business Continuity Procedure can be used as an option. The Business Continuity Procedure can be found in the Transit Manual Supplement, link here: Transit Manual Supplement - Guidance - GOV.UK
• HMRC strongly advise against travelling to an IBF or port to start a transit movement until the system is back online.
• Arrivals into GB or XI should continue to move as usual.
• Some transit processes, such as the Office of Destination, may need to be completed when NCTS becomes available.

Useful Links:

HMRC Preparation to Implement NCTS6 Phase 2

Create a goods movement reference - GOV.UK

List of ports using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service - GOV.UK

If a business requires urgent support during the transition period, the NCTS Helpdesk can be contacted as follows:

NCTS Helpdesk - ncts.helpdesk@hmrc.gov.uk  or by calling 0300 322 7095

NCTS Supervising Office - isbc.nctssupervisingoffice@hmrc.gov.uk  or by calling 0300 322 9452.

HMRC will issue communications and update the NCTS service availability page to confirm when NCTS Phase 6 is live. The service availability page link is below:

New Computerised Transit System service availability - GOV.UK