HMRC Advise of a Problem Affecting NCTS Goods Arrived Between 00:01 and 01:00 (BST)

Statement From HMRC:

Following the introduction of NCTS5 in June 2024, HMRC became aware of a problem affecting NCTS users when entering unloading remarks for goods arrived between the hours of 00:01 and 01:00 during British Summer Time (BST). This problem is caused by NCTS’ alignment with Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) which is one hour behind BST. This means that any unloading remarks completed between 00:01 and 01:00 during BST are blocked, as they are considered by the NCTS service to be made in the future.

What HMRC are Doing

A permanent fix to the issue is currently being explored. We will provide an update when we know when the fix will be implemented.

What you Need to do

To avoid blocking of unloading remarks, traders/declarants will need to carry out the workaround below during BST.

Workaround

From 31 March 2025 until 26 October 2025; or until we notify you that the fix has been made; declarants should enter the previous day’s date when submitting unloading remarks for any goods received in the UK between 00:01 and 01:00 hours.

For example: -

• Goods are physically unloaded at the Consignee premises on 7 April 2025 between the hours of 00:01 and 01:00
• Unloading date should be entered as 6 April (the time is not required in this data field, only the date)