The European Commission has introduced new and enhanced online services for customs on 22 October 2024.

These services include the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS), the Automated Export System (AES), and the Proof of Union Status System (PoUS).

The aims of these digital systems are to improve the management of goods under Union and common transit, to support the export of goods out of the Union, and to enhance the standardisation of administrative information between Economic Operators and customs authorities.

New Computerised Transit System (NCTS)

The NCTS is a Europe-wide digital system for enhanced control of goods under Union and Common Transit. It involves the processing of safety and security data for entry and exit formalities, involving all EU countries and Common Transit Convention contracting parties.  Based on transit declarations, NCTS processes safety and security data for entry and exit formalities.

Automated Export System (AES)

The AES also consists of a Europe-wide system but focuses on facilitating the export of goods outside of the Union by collecting all information required under the Union Customs Code electronically.  AES is used by EU countries’ customs administrations and the UK’s HMRC for the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol. It allows for the digitalisation and modernisation of export and exit formalities as required by the Union Customs Code (UCC).  By improving customs processes and offering more trade facilitations, AES reinforces the competitiveness of European businesses.

Proof of Union Status System (PoUS)

The PoUS, on the other hand, is a Trans-European system (TES) that ensures standardised exchange of administrative information between Economic Operators or their representatives and customs authorities, and between customs authorities involved in the customs procedures of establishing proof of Union status. These online services are of interest to economic operators and customs authorities.