The deadline for the NCTS Phase 5 on 1 December 2023 will not be met by various EU member states, including the Netherlands. As a result, Customs is postponing the release of the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS). The new goal is for all companies to be connected to this customs system by 1 December 2024.

What is NCTS P5 and why is it important?
The NCTS plays a pivotal role as a digital backbone for electronic transit declarations between countries such as the EU, EFTA, Turkey, North Macedonia, and the UK. Due to legislative changes, particularly from the UCC (Union Customs Code), there is a need for an update. NCTS P5 will replace the current NCTS P4.

The essence of the transit process in NCTS P5 remains similar, but there are significant changes in the data model, structure, and message exchange. The shift from a two-layer model to four layers and the transition in communication from Edifact to XML are examples of this.

What can the customs sector expect from the NCTS Phase 5 update?
To enhance planning, Customs has invested in external customs software. This software package follows Brussels' specifications for message exchange. The MID (Message Implementation Guide) is expected to be released in October 2023. The exact release date of NCTS P5 will be announced after rescheduling.

Preparing for the NCTS P5 release
For companies in the customs sector, it is crucial to transition to appropriate customs software in a timely manner. This software must meet the new requirements set by NCTS P5. Stay informed with Customs updates and delve into the new content, structures, and message types.

At Gateway, we are committed to a seamless transition to NCTS P5. In collaboration with Customs and the Customs Software Alliance (ADS), we are working on the release calendar for NCTS and other vital customs systems. Thanks to our close ties with Customs, we are always the first to know.

The NCTS is a key component of our customs software solutions. For more insight into our automated solutions for NCTS and how they can support your business, please get in touch with us.