External Transit (T1)

External Transit (T1) is a customs transit procedure allowing certain goods to move under customs control with duties and taxes suspended until the procedure is properly discharged.

Published by AllwayforwardUpdated 18 Oct 2026

Understand it in practice

A visual breakdown of External Transit (T1): Start transit procedure, Move under customs control and Discharge at destination. The illustration simplifies the concept; the definition and applicable terms determine the details.

Where it fits in the journey

Highlighted stages are commonly relevant

01Agree — commonly relevant
02Prepare
03Transport
04Clear — commonly relevant
05Deliver

THE PICTURE, IN WORDS

External Transit (T1) at a glance

Start transit procedure
Move under customs control
Discharge at destination

THE DETAIL THAT MATTERS

Does T1 transit mean import duties have been paid?

Transit suspends obligations; it does not automatically remove them. Follow the authorized route, destination and time limits.

Three separate release checks

Check	What to confirm
Customs / agency	Required declarations, controls and release
Carrier / forwarder	Freight and document-release conditions
Terminal / warehouse	Availability, charges and collection appointment

Hand-drawn customs checkpoint and shipping documents illustrating border clearance. — Customs & duties in context · original educational illustration, not a photograph of a shipment.

Before you book

For customs & duties, have these details ready:

Product materials, use and manufacturing origin
The legal importer and appointed representative
Current destination rules and supporting records

Explore customs & duties support

Sources & further reading

European Commission: customs transit ↗

Plain-language educational guidance. The applicable contract, carrier tariff, official rules or insurance policy takes precedence. Illustrations show concepts, not a specific shipment or facility.

Published by Allwayforward as a plain-language freight reference. Examples are illustrative, not customer case studies. For a correction, send the term and supporting source.