Before you start

Learn how to test the compatibility of your software with New Computerised Transit System.

Note: Please restrict your testing to the test scenarios in this document. HMRC cannot support tests that are not included here.

When you are ready to test your software, first read and understand the CTC Traders API service guide and NCTS technical interface specification.

Trader Test

Trader Test is a test environment that simulates both automated responses and real-life experience where NCTS support staff do the tasks of Border Force personnel. When your testing requires a manual response, NCTS support staff will perform the live manual steps of the process. This simulates and tests a full real-life journey from start to finish for you.

You can use NCTS Trader Test to test small messages (up to 5MB in size) and large messages (up to 8MB in size) with standard departures process, pre-lodged departures process, and arrivals process flows.

Testing prerequisites

For information about actions that must be completed before testing, see the getting started section of the CTC Traders API phase 6 service guide.

Test environments

Availability Window

The sandbox environment/Trader Test service will be available 24 hours, 7 days a week until 15 June to support testing.

This period of 24 hour, 7 days a week availability will be extended if necessary (in exceptional circumstances or due to issues in the service).

From June 15 onwards (if not extended), availability will move to 7am-7pm, Monday to Friday (UK time, GMT/BST)

You must use our sandbox environment and Trader Test to test the compatibility of your software with CTC Traders API.