A. General Information
Processing electronic transit declaration- via New Computerized Transit System (NCTS)
B. Lessons Learned
The NCTS allows operators to submit and finalize their transit declarations by electronic means, thus increasing efficiency and security of procedures. The following countries can use NCTS: EU members, The UK, EFTA countries, Turkey, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Common Transit Convention countries. 
The New Computerized Transit System (NCTS) is a European wide system, based upon electronic declaration and processing, designed to provide better management and control of Community and Common Transit.
The NCTS is a computerised transit system for exchanging electronic messages. These messages replace the various paper documents and certain formalities of the transit system.
It involves all countries comprising the EU Member States and Common Transit Convention contracting countries.
The NCTS, in each country is connected, through a central domain in Brussels, to all of the other countries, linking the European customs offices.The main objectives of the NCTS are:
• To increase the efficiency and effectiveness of transit procedures;
• To improve both the prevention and detection of fraud; and
• To accelerate transactions carried out under a transit procedure and to offer security for them.
To overcome the problems arising from paper-based procedures (handing of documents, incorrect transit declarations, slowness of manual procedure, inefficient customs control).
Computerized transit system has been operated for exchanging electronic messages. These messages replace the various paper documents and certain formalities of the transit system. The messages are exchanged electronically:
-between the economic operators and customs(‘external domain’);
- between custom offices of one country(‘national domain’)
-among the national customs administrations themselvesand with the Commission (‘common domain’).
See figure below
Link: https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/Automatic%20customs%20transit%20transport%20systems%20in%20operation%20%28NCTS%2C%20ACTS%2C%20TIM%29.pdf
The list of information exchanges and data elements is too extensive to insert in this document. They are publicly available on the European Commission CIRCABC platform, “Public specifications for transit, export, entry” group, NCTS-Phase4 and NCTS-Phase5 folders: https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/cac828e9-6887-4721-80c1-50186bc8fe08/library/e18358ca-5ecb-473a-8920-c4476937df23
The “DDNTA-Appendix Q2” document of the Technical specifications contains all the details of the information exchanges and data elements.
EU Customs Data Model aligned to the WCO Data Model:
https://svn.taxud.gefeg.com/svn/Documentation/EUCDM/EN/index.htm
Systems interoperability was challenging. DG TAXUD performed data harmonization activity, which resulted in the legal amendment of the data requirements of systems.
Another challenge was the business continuity during the deployment window of phase 5, during which some National Authorities deploy the phase 5 version, while others still operate the phase 4 version. NCTS has a new module called “Information Exchange Convertor Application” (ieCA), which converts messages between national transit applications in different phase of the system.
Community knowledge and experience is a major factor in overcoming technical difficulties.
Simplifications for trade facilitation (authorized consignor and consignee, special seals)
Simpler and quicker submission of transit declarations from traders
Direct and automated data exchange between customs administrations
Elimination of fraudulent document manipulation
Reduction of number of enquiry or recovery procedures
More efficient allocation of human resources, particularly in the fight against fraud
More effective and targeted controls with risk analysis management
Overall reduction of costs
Capacity building and trainings are organized for acceding countries wanting to be contracting parties of the Common Transit Convention, founded by the EU.
Include other countries (Georgia, Ukraine, Albania, Moldova, Bosnia-Herzegovina)
Update of NCTS to align with UnionCustoms Code and Common Transit Convention.
Ongoing improvement of the system:
Interconnection with the EU Import Control System
Interconnection with the eTIR International System
NCTS is interfaced with many different applications (risk management, database of traders, TARIC database, Reference Data application, Customs Office List, Export Control, Excise control, Temporary Storage, Single Windows, etc…). This integration is crucial for the success of operations. This integration by national customs administration, in collaboration with the European Commission offers an optimum choreography at national and international levels.
Link to the NCTS public specifications is provided under point 10.
Related to point 21
https://circabc.europa.eu/w/browse/d1a24569-ed90-460b-95a1-3eeb49b42463
C. Relevant Standards
Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/578establishing the Work Programme relating to the development and deployment of the electronic systems provided for in the Union Customs Code