T1
T1 Transit Declaration · T1 Transit Document
A T1 is a customs transit declaration. It lets goods travel through a customs territory under customs control, without paying import duties and taxes on the way.
In plain words
The T1 is used under the Common Transit Convention, which covers the EU, Turkey, and several other European countries. Turkey has been part of the convention since 2012. The declaration is made electronically in a system called NCTS (New Computerised Transit System).
The process starts at a customs office of departure. Customs may seal the truck or container, sets a time limit, and the transit needs a financial security that covers the duties and taxes in case something goes wrong. The goods must reach the customs office of destination unchanged and on time. There, the transit is closed and the security is released.
Example from real shipping
Goods from Asia arrive at a Turkish port and must continue by truck to a buyer in Hungary. Instead of paying Turkish import duties, the forwarder opens a T1 transit at the port customs office. The sealed truck crosses Bulgaria and Romania without full customs clearance. In Hungary, the destination office closes the T1, and the buyer clears the goods for import there.
Related terms
- TIR CarnetA TIR Carnet is an international customs document that lets a sealed truck carry goods across several countries with customs checks mainly at the start and the end of the journey.
- Bonded warehouse (Antrepo)A bonded warehouse is a warehouse under customs control. Imported goods can be stored there without paying import duties and taxes until they are released or sent abroad. In Turkey, it is called an “antrepo”.
- Customs brokerA customs broker is a licensed professional who prepares and submits customs declarations for importers and exporters, and deals with customs for them.
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Request a QuoteThis glossary is general information, not legal or customs advice. Rules, fees, and practice can differ by carrier, port, and country.