Update of the transit system, NCTS, Release 5

The transit system is being updated. Our current transit procedures are being adapted to the requirements in the Union Customs Code. Please take time to understand the new procedures and identify how it will impact your company.

Release 5 of NCTS will be launched in Sweden on 28 January, 2024. This is also when all new transits must be initiated in NCTS, Release 5.
This means that affected actors must prepare in order to launch NCTS, Release 5, and use it to manage new transits from 28 January, 2024.

Changes compared to current procedures

The updated system, NCTS, Release 5, is similar to the current system, but there are some differences. For example, information will be provided differently. The structure is constructed in several levels, more information is declared and some Data elements are split into multiple Data elements.

Declaration guides

Read the declaration guide for transit declarations in NCTS, Release 5

Transit procedure

Transit is a customs procedure that facilitates the transport of goods across borders and through territories without paying customs duty and VAT. You may transit any goods that may be brought into or removed from Sweden and the EU.
The person presenting goods for transit is responsible for conducting and discharging the transit correctly, as well as for the veracity of the information provided. The transited goods should be unaltered and they should be presented to customs at the place of destination within deadline established by Swedish Customs. The person presenting the goods is also responsible for the integrity of any seals and, where applicable, compliance with an established itinerary.
When transiting goods, the information should be registered in the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS). To submit transit declarations electronically via NCTS, it is necessary to register for communication via EDI.

Learn more about:

• Learn more about pre-lodging a transit declaration using a simplified procedure
• Learn more about lodging a transit declaration using a simplified procedure
• Learn more about pre-lodging a transit declaration using the normal procedure
• Learn more about lodging a transit declaration using the normal procedure
• Learn more about procedures when events occur during transport

Authorised consignor and authorised consignee

Authorised consignors and authorised consignees can initiate and discharge a transit procedure without visiting a customs clearance office. For this, you need an authorisation. Several authorisations may be used, depending on your needs.

Authorised consignor for Union transit

An authorised consignor for Union transit can initiate transit procedures without visiting a customs clearance office. Authorised consignors must hold an authorisation. This authorisation may also be used for the common transit procedure.

Approved consignor status for Union transit. (in Swedish)

Authorised consignee for Union transit

Authorised consignees for Union transit can receive and discharge a transit procedure at an authorised place without visiting a customs clearance office. Authorised consignees must hold an authorisation. This authorisation may also be used for the common transit procedure.

Approved consignee status for Union transit. (in Swedish)

Authorised consignee for TIR transit

Authorised consignees for TIR transit can receive an TIR transit at an authorised place without visiting a customs clearance office. To discharge the TIR transit procedure, the TIR Carnet must be presented in person. Authorised consignees must hold an authorisation.

Approved consignee status for TIR transit. (in Swedish)

Rail traffic

For rail traffic, the main alternative is that goods arriving by rail should be transited. Presentation notification should be given in accordance with the rules for the transit procedure, usually at the customs office at the destination or an authorised consignee.

Learn more about changes to rail traffic. (in Swedish)

Technical specifications

The updated system support means that you and your company must invest in a new or updated system support.

Technical specifications, DDNTA, NCTS, Phase 5 (in Swedish)

Validation service

A validation service for NCTS, Release 5, was launched on 1 October 2022. The validation service is an online self-service system where system providers and other companies with proprietary data filing solutions can upload and test their XML messages

• The validation service ensures:
  
  • a smooth transition to the business test environment;
  • syntactically correct XML files for NCTS, Release 5, at the early stages of its development.
    
    
• Functional scope:
  
  • schema validation for envelopes and NCTS messages,
  • signature validation,
    
  • any current XML messages for NCTS, Release 5, that Swedish Customs may receive.

Link to the validation service. (in Swedish)