Notification: Introduction of NCTS 6 – Opt Out
Economic operators are hereby informed that the Customs Administration will begin a two-phase implementation of NCTS 6, starting from 1 June 2026, when the NCTS 6 Opt-Out version will be introduced. Afterwards, work will continue on implementing NCTS 6 Opt-In.
NCTS 6 Opt-Out represents an upgrade of the existing system and its alignment with the latest European standards in accordance with the EU Customs Code (UCC) and the Common Transit Convention.
With the new version, the following improvements are introduced:
- enhanced data structures
- additional controls
- improved electronic data exchange
The objective is to ensure greater efficiency and security in transit procedures.
Key Characteristics
| Feature |
NCTS 6 Opt-Out |
| Number of declarations |
Two (Transit + ENS in ICS2) |
| IE015 message |
Simplified (without ENS data) |
| Connection to ICS2 |
No direct link within NCTS |
| Security code (ENS) |
Only 0 or 2 |
Economic operators are advised to:
- familiarize themselves with the new requirements and data changes
- adapt their IT systems accordingly
- start testing and implementation in a timely manner
Technical specifications and XSD schemas with the changes that need to be implemented by 31 May 2026, relating to the NCTS 6 Opt-out version, which will become operational for declarants as of 1 June 2026.
Regarding business-related updates with the new functionalities in Opt-Out for NCTS 6
(FOR TRADERS)
In NCTS 5, it was possible to use the following values in the Security field:
In NCTS 6 Opt-Out, these codes are no longer allowed.
Now the valid values are:
- 0 = no ENS data in the transit declaration
- 2 = EXS only (exit security declaration)
In practice, ENS is submitted separately in ICS2, while in NCTS 6 Opt-Out the transit declaration no longer contains ENS data.
(FOR TRADERS)
IE117 = Presentation Notification at Office of Transit
This is a new functionality for traders.
When the truck arrives at a transit office (Office of Transit), the trader/carrier can send:
- a notification that the goods will physically arrive at the border at the transit office.
This is similar to the pre-lodgement of the IE015 message at the office of departure.
In short, the transit office receives a prior notification from the trader and can perform security checks and decide whether the transit movement may continue.
If the customs officer decides that the movement must not continue, they reject the transit using “Deny Transit Passage” and generate message IE119.
(FOR CUSTOMS OFFICERS)
IE119 = Rejection Crossing Frontier
This is a message exchanged between customs systems. In this case, the office of departure is informed that the movement has been stopped.
Otherwise, if the customs officer decides to allow the transit to continue, they will enter message IE118, i.e. “Notification of Crossing the Frontier.”