T1 Transit Declaration: What It Is
Customs transit is an integral part of international transportation, allowing goods to move through EU territory without paying duties and taxes until their final clearance. One of the key documents in this process is the T1 transit declaration.
In this article, we’ll look at when it is required, how to fill it out correctly, and which mistakes to avoid to prevent fines or delivery delays.
What is a T1 Transit Declaration?
The T1 transit declaration is a customs document that accompanies goods in transit through EU countries. It is most commonly used for transporting industrial products, electronics, vehicles, chemicals, and other goods subject to customs control. This certificate allows the freight to move without paying customs duties, VAT, and other taxes. The legal basis for using the transit declaration is the Common Transit Convention (CTC) and the EU Customs Code.
T1 differs significantly from other types of transit declarations, such as T2 (for goods with community status), IM (import declarations), and EX (export declarations). The main difference is that T1 is used for transporting freight that has not yet been released for free circulation.
When is the T1 Declaration Required?
The T1 transit declaration is required when goods do not have EU origin status and are transported through EU territory. It is also used when transporting goods through several countries without customs clearance or for temporary storage in a customs-controlled zone. For example, during delivery from a port to another EU country, transit through multiple customs points, or the return and reprocessing of freight.
Who Issues the T1 and Where?
Various participants in the logistics process may be responsible for filling out the T1 transit declaration — including customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, or even the consignor. The procedure takes place at the customs office of departure, where the declaration can be submitted either physically or electronically via the NCTS (New Computerized Transit System). This is a system used for submitting customs declarations electronically to place goods under the common transit procedure.
Documents required for the T1:
- Commercial invoice;
- Transport documents (e.g., CMR, bill of lading);
- Guarantee (deposit, surety, financial guarantee).
Step-by-Step: How the T1 Process Works
The process of filling out a transit declaration includes several steps:
- Preparing all necessary documents and entering the data into the NCTS.
- Receiving the MRN (Movement Reference Number).
- Presenting the goods at customs.
- Issuance of the transit declaration.
- Transporting the goods to the customs office of destination.
- Closing the transit and releasing the guarantee.
Common Mistakes and Things to Watch Out For
Mistakes during this process can lead to fines or shipment delays. One of the most common is failing to close the transit on time, which can lead to substantial penalties. Other frequent errors include incorrect weight, quantity, or commodity code, which trigger extra customs checks. Discrepancies between the invoice and the T1 data also complicate customs clearance. Problems may also arise from lost documents during transit or unreliable guarantees, which hinder the completion of the transit procedure.
Another common mistake is confusing the T1 declaration with a cargo customs declaration — but these are two different documents. A cargo customs declaration is used to clear goods at customs, while a T1 is only for transporting them across countries.
Responsibility and Potential Penalties
Responsibility for correctly filling out the T1 falls on the carrier, the declarant, and sometimes the cargo owner — especially if they are accountable for compliance with customs requirements or if the goods are subject to special controls or restrictions within the customs union. Violations of customs regulations may result in:
- Fines for breaching customs procedures;
- Suspension of transport;
- Loss of authorized carrier status;
- Seizure or confiscation of goods.
How to Avoid Risks: Expert Tips
To avoid problems when submitting the T1 declaration:
- Carefully check all documents for accuracy before submission;
- Work with licensed customs brokers to minimize errors;
- Keep an archive of MRNs and maintain electronic records to track each stage of the transit procedure;
- Regularly train staff who handle customs declarations to improve knowledge and reduce errors.
Why Work With Professionals
Incorrectly completed T1 declarations can lead to serious consequences — including multi-day delays and financial losses. In such cases, an experienced freight forwarder from a company like ETS can help minimize risks, ensure quick document processing, and maintain effective communication with customs authorities.
In conclusion, the T1 transit declaration is not just a formality — it’s a key document that ensures the legal movement of goods across EU territory. Incorrect completion can pose serious business risks: delays, fines, or even confiscation of goods.