The first quarter of 2026 marked a record period for the common transit procedure in Ukraine. Despite the ongoing war and the loss of part of its logistics routes, the system continues to scale rapidly. According to the State Customs Service, in March alone Ukrainian customs authorities issued 12.1 thousand transit declarations—the highest monthly figure since the country joined the relevant Convention in October 2022.
INGO Insurance Company, which has been operating in the transit guarantees segment since the launch of the system, also reports this growth. According to the insurer, 17.9 thousand transit declarations were issued in the first quarter of 2024, 28.4 thousand in 2025, and 51.2 thousand in 2026. Over a two-year period, this figure has nearly tripled.
Based on the results of the first quarter, INGO provided 10 general guarantees totaling EUR 10.8 million and 2,044 individual guarantees totaling EUR 51.1 million. This represents approximately two-thirds of all general guarantees in the market and more than one-third of individual guarantees.
The New Computerized Transit System (NCTS)—an electronic platform that enables the movement of goods across 38 countries without repeated customs clearance at each border—has evolved from an advantage primarily used by large importers into a practical working tool for medium-sized businesses. Companies can choose between a general guarantee covering multiple operations and an individual guarantee for a specific shipment.
“Just three years ago, this was a tool used mainly by large operators who were the first to understand the system’s mechanics. Today, medium-sized companies with regular shipments are entering NCTS, marking a qualitative shift in the market. Common transit reduces logistics costs and eliminates administrative barriers at borders, directly enhancing the competitiveness of Ukrainian companies in international trade,” notes Serhii Sydorchuk, Deputy Head of the Corporate Insurance Department at INGO Insurance Company.
The expansion of “customs visa-free” is taking place against the broader backdrop of Ukraine’s alignment with EU customs legislation. The State Customs Service is steadily implementing European standards—from Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs to electronic procedures within the “single window” framework. In this context, NCTS serves not only as an operational tool but also as an indicator of the country’s readiness for deeper customs integration.
For the insurance market, the development of this system continues to shape a segment that scarcely existed just a few years ago. With the transition to a new phase of NCTS (Phase 6) and the expansion of the number of companies holding AEO status, demand for financial guarantees is expected to continue growing.
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