What is a T1 transit document?
A T1 transit document is the customs document that allows non-Union goods to move under customs supervision through the EU customs territory, without import duties and VAT being due at the first point of entry. It is one of the oldest and most-used procedures within the Union Customs Code (UCC) and since 2003 fully digitally processed via NCTS (New Computerised Transit System).
In practice, a T1 works as follows: at the office of departure (e.g. Schiphol Cargo or Rotterdam Maasvlakte) the declaration for external Union transit is submitted. The system generates an MRN (Movement Reference Number) and a Transit Accompanying Document (TAD). The goods travel under that MRN to the office of destination, where they are presented and the procedure is discharged. Only at the destination are the goods brought into free circulation or placed in a customs warehouse, and only then are any duties and VAT levied.
The system is based on a continuous security (guarantee) that covers the amount of potential import duties and VAT. If arrival is not reported, or not in time, the declarant is held to that guarantee. This makes working with T1 a matter of care: a single missed discharge can quickly lead to thousands of euros in customs debt.
When do you need a T1?
In practice a T1 comes into play as soon as non-Union goods move between two points within or toward EU territory. Typical situations:
- Air freight via Schiphol that needs to be transited as non-Union goods to a recipient or customs warehouse elsewhere in the EU
- Sea freight via Rotterdam or Antwerp going by truck or inland barge to a German, Czech or Polish final destination
- Movements between customs warehouses in different member states
- Transit to a third country via the EU (so-called transit traffic to e.g. the UK, Switzerland, Norway)
- Re-export of goods unloaded in an EU port but destined for export outside the EU
- Transport from/to EFTA countries (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) under the Convention on a common transit procedure
Goods that are already Union goods (produced in the EU or already brought into free circulation) generally don’t need a T1 - they travel freely within the Union. They may, however, require a T2 if they have to pass through a third country.
What do we need to apply?
To open a T1 quickly we’d like to receive the following information:
- Commercial invoice with goods description, value and currency
- Packing list with packages, weights and dimensions
- Waybill (AWB, CMR, B/L or CIM)
- HS codes or at least sufficient product information to determine them
- Name, address details and EORI of consignor and consignee
- Office of departure and destination (customs office code)
- Route and transport modality
- Container or license plate number (where applicable)
- Any licenses or preferential certificates if those are later relevant for discharge
Don’t have one of these documents clear? No problem - we help with classification under the right HS code and check for consistency. Incorrect classification is one of the most common causes of delay.
How does the process work?
1. Delivery and check (15-30 minutes) You send the documents via email or upload portal. We validate the documents for completeness, classification and guarantee coverage.
2. Declaration in NCTS (15-30 minutes) We submit the declaration under our declarant number and continuous security. The system generates an MRN and TAD. In case of any scan inspection you receive immediate notice.
3. Release and transport (depending on customs) After release the goods can depart. The TAD travels along as a PDF or physically with the driver. We share the MRN for track-and-trace.
4. Arrival and discharge At the destination office the goods must be presented within the set period and the procedure discharged. We actively monitor every T1 and send reminders if the discharge is delayed.
5. Confirmation Once NCTS confirms the discharge, you receive a closure notification. Only then is the customs debt definitively settled and the guarantee released.
Processing time from delivery to MRN: usually within 2 hours on business days between 07:00 and 19:00. Rush requests outside opening hours are possible by arrangement.
What does it cost at DouaneDoc?
We use transparent rates without hidden surcharges.
| Scenario | Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard T1 (1 shipment, 1 HS code, NL > EU) | on request |
| T1 with multiple HS codes / lines | on request |
| T1 with scan inspection or physical inspection | base rate + rate on request for additional work |
| Rush request outside office hours | base rate + 50% rush surcharge |
| Weekly subscription structure (from 20 T1s/month) | individual rate |
Example 1 - importer from Germany has air freight from China at Schiphol and wants to go to a warehouse in Düsseldorf: on request, NCTS-MRN within 90 minutes.
Example 2 - exporter in Aalsmeer delivers goods to a Swiss customer: T1 for transit NL > CH, on request including coordination with Swiss destination office.
Example 3 - logistics service provider with 60 T1s per month: monthly subscription with fixed rate per shipment plus dedicated single point of contact.
Common mistakes and how we prevent them
1. Wrong HS code A deviating classification leads to incorrectly calculated guarantee amounts and discussion at discharge. We check every code against the Dutch Tariff and earlier BTI decisions for your products.
2. Term planned too tight A driver stuck in traffic or a container staying longer in the warehouse than expected - and the term expires. We factor margin into the term setting and monitor actively.
3. Non-matching consignee The consignee on the T1 differs from who actually receives the goods. The destination office then refuses discharge. We always agree on this in advance.
4. No timely presentation at destination The goods arrive but are not formally presented within the term. We automatically send a reminder to the consignee 24 hours before expiry.
Why DouaneDoc?
- AEO-F certified - authorized customs broker with Full Authorisation, meaning fewer inspections and faster handling
- Own continuous security with Customs, you don’t need to provide your own guarantee
- Active monitoring of discharge - we don’t wait, we intervene
- Short lines - one fixed point of contact, no ticketing system
- Part of Aircargo Netherlands in Aalsmeer, near Schiphol Cargo - practical presence where it matters
Need a T1 today? Send your documents to sales@aircargo.nl or call 088 088 2407. For most requests you’ll have your MRN in the mail within 2 hours.
For export shipments, also see our export declaration, and for import into free circulation we often advise a combined approach with the import declaration.