What is a T1 document and when do I need it?

There are specific guidelines, rules, and restrictions for importing goods into the EU from countries that are not part of the European Union. To begin with, it needs to be checked whether there are any kind of import barriers for the different kinds of products and goods. A general condition for the import and transportation of goods within the EU is a T1 document.

The so-called T1 document ensures the transportation of goods between the customs offices within and outside of the EU, which is without charge. Additionally, it guarantees custom clearance for all goods. The import and customs fees are being charged when the goods reach their final destination. Being an official customs document, the T1 document simplifies the transportation of goods and provides concrete tracking and control over the goods in transit. Based on the location of the goods, the T1 document will be created by the customs authority. To do so, the following data must be given: Which kind of goods are there? How many goods are there? How much do the goods weigh? How many seals are there? Who is the addressee? Who is the dispatcher? What is the customs tariff number?

Below, we summarized the most important information about the T1 shipping procedure for you. We gladly provide you with even more details if you send us a request. Additionally, ALS supports you as an experienced full-service provider with the application and execution of the T1 procedure.

What is the difference between T1 and T2?

The T2 procedure is only for the intra-community transit of goods and is needed for the transport of common goods. Those include goods that come from the EU as well as non-common goods that already have been cleared. Thus, the T2 document allows you to transport those goods into or through countries that are not part of the European Union.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the T1-procedure

Due to the T1 procedure, customs charges and taxes for goods that are coming from non-Eu-countries are only charged when they arrive at their final destination within the EU. This reduces time and effort but also helps to avoid customs debts. Additionally, it allows a better control of goods during transport. Nevertheless, this procedure can be quite complex and requires precise documentation and declaration of the goods, including all the relevant data. If you decide to appoint a customs service provider, extra costs accrue. However, those costs can be compensated through the advantages of the T1-procedure as well as the additional security of your goods transport.

How does the T1 document work?

The procedure is being arranged by the customs authority of the country in which the transportation of goods starts. After doing so, you have seven days to present your goods to the customs authority for inspection and identification. To do so, a security deposit must be paid. To define how much the security deposit will cost the import costs for the receiving country are being estimated.

When the goods arrive at their final destination the T1-procedure will be closed. As soon as the customs inspection is done, a safety permit will be handed out. You will then receive the transit document which allows the release of the goods.

But there is also an option to simplify the T1 procedure: Due to being an AEO-certified service provider, ALS can take care of the whole procedure for you by using a simplified process. If you want to know more information about how we can help you with that, we can gladly assist you in a personal chat.

How do I get a T1 document?

In the UK, the haulier or their representative must submit an IEO15 Explanation to the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS). When the declaration is processed through the NCTS, a Transit Accompanying Document (TAD) is generated. The TAD serves as a supporting document during the shipment of goods, facilitating their passage through the Office of Transit and, ultimately, at their Office of Destination.

Upon acceptance of the TAD, the applicant will receive a shipping note containing the master reference number (MRN). This MRN triggers the requirement for payment of any taxes or duties associated with the goods.

The shipping note must include the following information, at minimum:

Sender and recipient (Consignor and consignee)
Commercial Invoice
Total number of positions
Total number of packing pieces (packing list)
Shipping- and Destination Country
Customs tariff number
Total weight (raw mixture)
Number of the principal
Customs office of departure and destination

How long does the procedure take?

Usually, your haulier, customs broker or logistics specialist will take care of the whole process. If all the required documents and data are given, the application process of the T1 document takes around 60 minutes after handing the application in. However, this time frame might vary depending on the quality of data provided and the system used.

ALS supports you through every step of the T1 document.

As an experienced full-service customs provider, ALS manages the entire T1 procedure at your request for the transportation of your goods. We guarantee precise preparation and execution throughout every step of this complex process, ensuring that you can reap all the benefits of the T1 procedure.