Transporting goods out of Northern Ireland under transit: step-by-step

Last updated 23 January 2023

If you’re departing from an authorised consignor premises

Before the goods leave

1. Check with your exporter that you have all the documents you need to transport the goods.

2. Get your paper transit accompanying document (TAD) which will include your transit movement reference number (MRN), this must stay with you throughout your journey.

3. Get any other customs documentation including export declarations, licences and route information.

4. Move to the port of exit.

While the goods are moving

1. Complete the exit and entry requirements at each customs border including the port you’re exiting in Northern Ireland.

2. Move goods to each office of transit on your transit accompanying document (TAD).

3. Present your TAD and goods at the office of transit.

When the goods arrive

1. Present the transit accompanying document (TAD) and goods to the office of destination or authorised consignee.

2. Wait for customs authority to clear the goods.

3. Get a receipt for the movement from the authorised consignee, if you need one.

If you’re departing from an office of departure in Northern Ireland

Before the goods leave

1. Check with your exporter that you have all the documents you need to transport the goods.

2. Get your location reference number (LRN) from the exporter.

3. Get any other customs documentation including export declarations, licences and route information.

4. Confirm the exporter has emailed Border Force to notify them of your planned departure.

5. Take the goods to the designated office of departure.

At the office of departure

1. Present goods with location reference number (LRN) to office of departure.

2. Get your transit accompanying document (TAD) which will include your transit movement reference number (MRN).

3. Get a goods movement reference.

4. Proceed to the port you’re exiting in Northern Ireland.

During the transit movement

1. Complete the exit and entry requirements at each customs border including the port you’re exiting in Northern Ireland.

2. Move goods to the office of transit on your transit accompanying document (TAD).

3. Present your TAD and goods at the future office of transit.

When the goods arrive

1. Present the transit accompanying document (TAD) and goods to the office of destination or authorised consignee.

2. Wait for customs authority to clear the goods.

3. Get a receipt for the movement from the office of destination or authorised consignee, if you need one.