What is a TAD? Transit documents for UK buyers
A TAD is a Transit Accompanying Document used for a customs transit movement. It contains the transit MRN, the reference identifying that movement. Paper carriage is no longer mandatory, but the driver must have the MRN. Cambridge China Bridge helps buyers coordinate shipment paperwork.
The TAD is the document; the MRN is the reference
TAD means Transit Accompanying Document. It contains the consignment’s transit MRN and barcode. HMRC describes the MRN as a unique reference generated when the transit system accepts a correct declaration. Its guidance uses both Master Reference Number and Movement Reference Number for this reference.
Ask your forwarder to label the transit MRN clearly against your shipment. When several customs references appear in an email, ask which belongs to the transit movement rather than guessing from the attachment name.
Electronic presentation and printed copies
HMRC no longer requires the paper TAD to travel with the goods. The presenter or driver must still possess the transit MRN. It can be presented manually, digitally on a device such as a mobile phone, or as a printed linear barcode.
At a UK customs office of departure, a paper TAD can be requested from Border Force, with the list of items if needed. Agree the presentation method with the forwarder before dispatch. A saved, readable copy and a practical backup can help if the driver loses access to a message.
Check the UK entry route with the haulier
For inbound movements at Goods Vehicle Movement Service locations, all transit MRNs associated with the movement must be included in the Goods Movement Reference before check-in. Confirm that the haulier has received the correct transit reference and included it, rather than assuming that emailing the TAD completes this step.
Ask the forwarder to confirm the entry location, the intended transit destination and who handles each handover. Use our guide to appointing a customs agent to agree the agent’s role alongside the transport arrangements.
Keep a useful shipment record
Keep the transit MRN, any TAD copy, the forwarder’s instructions and correspondence together against the purchase order. Ask for written confirmation of the movement’s status instead of treating a document copy as proof that every customs step has finished.
If the goods have arrived but the transit status remains unresolved, use our guide to transit not discharged. If the shipment itself cannot be located, follow cargo missing in transit. These address follow-up problems rather than the meaning or presentation of a TAD.
Frequently asked questions
What does TAD stand for?
TAD stands for Transit Accompanying Document. It is a document for a customs transit movement and contains the consignment’s transit MRN and barcode.
Is a TAD the same as an MRN?
The TAD is the document containing the reference. The transit MRN identifies the movement. Ask your forwarder to distinguish it clearly from other shipment references.
Does the driver need a printed TAD?
Paper carriage is no longer mandatory, but the driver must possess the transit MRN. HMRC allows manual, digital or printed barcode presentation. A paper TAD can be requested at a UK customs office of departure.
Who puts the transit MRN in the GMR?
Confirm this with the haulier. For inbound movements at Goods Vehicle Movement Service locations, all associated transit MRNs must be included in the Goods Movement Reference before check-in.