A transit declaration (T1) is required when goods are imported into the territory of the European Union or transported in transit across that territory. For example, it is used when goods are moved from a customs warehouse in one EU country to a similar warehouse in another EU country.

     T1 is a financial customs guarantee. If, for any reason, the goods are not delivered to the customs office of destination, the agent who issued the guarantee will be obliged to pay the customs duties that would have been charged if the goods had been cleared for use within the EU.

      T1 is used as an alternative to the TIR Carnet guarantee system.

Main features of T1

Who it is for: Goods produced outside the EU (China, the USA, Turkey, etc.).

Purpose: Suspension of VAT and customs duty payments during transportation from the border to an inland customs warehouse or between warehouses.

Alternative: It often serves as a substitute for the Carnet TIR.

System: The declaration is issued through the electronic NCTS system (New Computerised Transit System).

What does a T1 declaration look like?

A T1 declaration does not have a single “logo” in the usual brand sense. It is an official legal document in a strictly defined format.

Document title: Officially, it is called TAD (Transit Accompanying Document).

Barcode and MRN: In the upper right corner, there is always a large barcode and a unique MRN number (Movement Reference Number). This is the “passport” of the shipment, which customs uses to locate the declaration in the database.

Boxes: The document is divided into numbered sections, similar to a customs goods declaration. In box 1 (Declaration), the code T1 must be indicated.

The official European Commission website on transit explains the rules of the NCTS system.

To track the status of your declaration using the MRN number, you can use the MRN Follow-up service.

Required documents for issuing T1

1. Main cargo documents

Invoice:

Must include the value of the goods, currency, delivery terms (Incoterms), and the details of the consignor and consignee.

Packing List:

Information on gross/net weight, number of packages, and type of packaging (pallets, boxes, etc.).

CMR consignment note:

The main transport document confirming the route and the vehicle.

2. Technical data (codes and specifications)

HS Code:

The first 6-8 digits of the product code. This is critical, because the amount of duty to be guaranteed depends on this code.

Country of origin:

Confirmed by a certificate (for example, Form A or COO) or indicated in the invoice.

Weight and quantity:

Must exactly match the actual weight carried in the truck.

3. Transport details

Truck and trailer details:

Vehicle registration numbers.

Point of entry into the EU and destination point:

Names of the customs offices (NCTS office codes) where the declaration will be opened and where it must be closed.

Route:

Approximate list of transit countries.

4. Specific requirements (if applicable)

Permits and certificates:

If the goods are subject to veterinary, phytosanitary, or other controls, the relevant documents are required (health certificates, inspection reports, etc.).

Power of attorney:

If a broker is issuing the T1 on your behalf for the first time, authorization may be required.

Important nuances

Validity period:

A T1 declaration always has a deadline by which the vehicle must arrive at the customs office of destination. If the deadline is missed, the broker’s guarantee may be claimed and the carrier may face a substantial fine.

LTL shipments (groupage cargo):

If the truck carries goods from different consignors, a separate T1 declaration must be opened for each individual shipment.

Closing the T1:

The most important thing is to make sure that the customs office of destination has registered the arrival in the system. If the T1 is not properly “closed” in the database, it will be considered unfulfilled.

Betainvest will prepare and register the T1 customs declaration for your cargo professionally and in the shortest possible time.