diff --git a/apps/edr-freight-api/src/modules/contracts/gl-operations.service.ts b/apps/edr-freight-api/src/modules/contracts/gl-operations.service.ts
index e639f0867..72e2d14d9 100644
--- a/apps/edr-freight-api/src/modules/contracts/gl-operations.service.ts
+++ b/apps/edr-freight-api/src/modules/contracts/gl-operations.service.ts
@@ -244,9 +244,10 @@ export class GlOperationsService {
   }
 
   /**
-   * T1 transit-document lifecycle state for an import shipment booking. Wagon
-   * allocation opens the upload window; train departure locks it; train arrival
-   * lets GL Ethiopia close (accept) the T1 set.
+   * T1 transit-document lifecycle state for an import shipment booking. The
+   * gate pass (secured on the train schedule after wagon allocation) opens the
+   * upload window; train departure locks it; train arrival lets GL Ethiopia
+   * close (accept) the T1 set.
    */
   async t1State(bookingId: string): Promise<Freight.ClearanceT1State> {
     const train = await this.trainState(bookingId);
@@ -269,7 +270,8 @@ export class GlOperationsService {
   }
 
   /**
-   * GL Djibouti uploads T1 transport documents (multi-file) after wagon allocation.
+   * GL Djibouti uploads T1 transport documents (multi-file) once the gate pass
+   * is secured on the train schedule (which itself follows wagon allocation).
    * Replaces the previous batch; locked once the train departs or T1 is closed.
    */
   async uploadT1Documents(
@@ -287,6 +289,12 @@ export class GlOperationsService {
         'Wagons must be allocated before T1 transport documents can be uploaded.',
       );
     }
+    const gatepass = await this.gatepassForBooking(bookingId);
+    if (!gatepass.granted) {
+      throw new BadRequestException(
+        'Secure the Djibouti gate pass on the train schedule before uploading T1 transport documents.',
+      );
+    }
     if (state.closed) {
       throw new BadRequestException('T1 has been closed by GL Ethiopia — documents are final.');
     }
@@ -303,7 +311,8 @@ export class GlOperationsService {
   /**
    * Close (accept) the T1/transport document set.
    * Import: GL Ethiopia closes once the train has arrived (T1 files required).
-   * Export: GL Djibouti closes after the gate pass (transport document required).
+   * Export: GL Djibouti closes once the train arrives at Djibouti (transport
+   * document required).
    */
   async closeT1(
     bookingId: string,
@@ -337,10 +346,9 @@ export class GlOperationsService {
           'The transport document must be uploaded before T1 can be closed.',
         );
       }
-      const gatepass = await this.gatepassForBooking(bookingId);
-      if (!gatepass.granted) {
+      if (!state.trainArrivedAt) {
         throw new BadRequestException(
-          'Secure the Djibouti gate pass on the train schedule before closing T1.',
+          'The train has not arrived at Djibouti yet — T1 can be closed only after arrival.',
         );
       }
       // Export bookings seeded before T1_CLOSED joined the catalog lack the row.
diff --git a/apps/edr-freight-web/backoffice/src/components/contracts/ExportClearanceStepper.tsx b/apps/edr-freight-web/backoffice/src/components/contracts/ExportClearanceStepper.tsx
index b13e38961..db6e79430 100644
--- a/apps/edr-freight-web/backoffice/src/components/contracts/ExportClearanceStepper.tsx
+++ b/apps/edr-freight-web/backoffice/src/components/contracts/ExportClearanceStepper.tsx
@@ -53,8 +53,9 @@ import { bookingsService } from "@/services/bookings.service";
 /**
  * Export customs flow, ordered per the stakeholder process:
  * customer docs → RO (DJ) → declaration (ET, auto-releases) → create booking (ET)
- * → payment + wagons → transport document (ET) → train to Djibouti → gate pass (DJ)
- * → accept T1 (DJ) → final invoice (DJ) + customer slip + GL confirm.
+ * → payment + wagons → transport document / T1 (ET) → train to Djibouti
+ * → accept T1 (DJ, one button after arrival) → gate pass (DJ)
+ * → final invoice (DJ) + customer slip + GL confirm.
  */
 export function computeExportActiveStep(
   clearance: ClearanceViewLike,
@@ -77,8 +78,8 @@ export function computeExportActiveStep(
   }
   if (!isBookingMilestoneDone(bookingMilestones, "EXPORT_TRANSPORT_ISSUED")) return 5;
   if (!clearance.train?.arrivedAt) return 6;
-  if (!clearance.gatepassGranted) return 7;
-  if (!clearance.t1Closed) return 8;
+  if (!clearance.t1Closed) return 7;
+  if (!clearance.gatepassGranted) return 8;
   if (clearance.finalInvoice?.status !== "PAID") return 9;
   return 10;
 }
@@ -395,17 +396,9 @@ export function ExportClearanceStepper({
             </Stack>
           </Stepper.Step>
 
-          <Stepper.Step
-            label="Gate pass"
-            description="Secured on the train schedule after arrival"
-            icon={clearance.gatepassGranted ? <CheckCircle2 size={14} /> : <Truck size={14} />}
-          >
-            <GatepassStep clearance={clearance} />
-          </Stepper.Step>
-
           <Stepper.Step
             label="Accept T1"
-            description="GL Djibouti closes the transport document"
+            description="GL Djibouti closes once the train arrives"
             icon={clearance.t1Closed ? <CheckCircle2 size={14} /> : <PackageCheck size={14} />}
           >
             <AcceptT1Step
@@ -420,6 +413,14 @@ export function ExportClearanceStepper({
             />
           </Stepper.Step>
 
+          <Stepper.Step
+            label="Gate pass"
+            description="Secured on the train schedule after arrival"
+            icon={clearance.gatepassGranted ? <CheckCircle2 size={14} /> : <Truck size={14} />}
+          >
+            <GatepassStep clearance={clearance} />
+          </Stepper.Step>
+
           <Stepper.Step
             label="Final invoice & payment"
             description="GL Djibouti invoices after offload; customer pays"
@@ -554,6 +555,7 @@ function AcceptT1Step({
 }) {
   const [loading, setLoading] = useState(false);
   const files = exportTransitFilesFromWorkflow(workflowFiles);
+  const arrived = Boolean(clearance.train?.arrivedAt);
 
   return (
     <Stack gap="sm">
@@ -582,9 +584,9 @@ function AcceptT1Step({
             pendingLabel={
               !transportIssued
                 ? "Waiting for the transport document."
-                : clearance.gatepassGranted
-                  ? "Gate pass granted — GL Djibouti accepts (closes) the T1."
-                  : "Available after the gate pass is granted."
+                : arrived
+                  ? "Train arrived — GL Djibouti accepts (closes) the T1."
+                  : "Available once the train arrives at Djibouti."
             }
             doneLabel=""
           />
@@ -592,7 +594,7 @@ function AcceptT1Step({
             <Button
               color="edr-green"
               loading={loading}
-              disabled={!transportIssued || !clearance.gatepassGranted}
+              disabled={!transportIssued || !arrived}
               leftSection={<PackageCheck size={16} />}
               onClick={async () => {
                 setLoading(true);
diff --git a/apps/edr-freight-web/backoffice/src/components/contracts/PhasedClearanceActionPanel.tsx b/apps/edr-freight-web/backoffice/src/components/contracts/PhasedClearanceActionPanel.tsx
index d0b7f2c87..6852590cd 100644
--- a/apps/edr-freight-web/backoffice/src/components/contracts/PhasedClearanceActionPanel.tsx
+++ b/apps/edr-freight-web/backoffice/src/components/contracts/PhasedClearanceActionPanel.tsx
@@ -98,6 +98,7 @@ function computeImportActiveStep(
   clearance: ClearanceViewLike,
   bookingCreated: boolean,
   bookingMilestones: MilestoneRow[],
+  t1Uploaded: boolean,
 ): number {
   if (!isMilestoneDone(clearance.milestones, "DOCUMENTS_APPROVED")) return 0;
   if (!isMilestoneDone(clearance.milestones, "DECLARED")) return 1;
@@ -119,16 +120,17 @@ function computeImportActiveStep(
   if (!isMilestoneDone(clearance.milestones, "DO_COLLECTED")) return 6;
   if (!bookingCreated) return 7;
   if (!clearance.gatepassGranted) return 8;
-  if (!clearance.t1?.closed) return 9;
-  if (!isBookingMilestoneDone(bookingMilestones, "RISK_ASSIGNED")) return 10;
+  if (!t1Uploaded && !clearance.t1?.closed) return 9;
+  if (!clearance.t1?.closed) return 10;
+  if (!isBookingMilestoneDone(bookingMilestones, "RISK_ASSIGNED")) return 11;
   // Additional duty round is optional — resolved once skipped or paid.
   const secondDutyResolved =
     clearance.secondDuty?.skipped ||
     clearance.secondDuty?.paid ||
     isBookingMilestoneDone(bookingMilestones, "SECOND_DUTY_PAID");
-  if (!secondDutyResolved) return 11;
-  if (!clearance.importReleaseGranted) return 12;
-  return 13;
+  if (!secondDutyResolved) return 12;
+  if (!clearance.importReleaseGranted) return 13;
+  return 14;
 }
 
 function t1FilesFromWorkflow(
@@ -226,12 +228,18 @@ export function PhasedClearanceActionPanel({
   // The booking that carries the post-booking steps (gate pass, risk, duty, release).
   const actionBookingId =
     clearance.t1?.bookingId ?? clearance.linkedBookingId ?? bookingId ?? null;
+  const t1Uploaded = t1FilesFromWorkflow(workflowFiles).length > 0;
   const activeStep = useMemo(
     () =>
       isImport
-        ? computeImportActiveStep(clearance, effectiveBookingCreated, bookingMilestones)
+        ? computeImportActiveStep(
+            clearance,
+            effectiveBookingCreated,
+            bookingMilestones,
+            t1Uploaded,
+          )
         : 0,
-    [clearance, isImport, effectiveBookingCreated, bookingMilestones],
+    [clearance, isImport, effectiveBookingCreated, bookingMilestones, t1Uploaded],
   );
 
   if (isImport) {
@@ -544,22 +552,45 @@ export function PhasedClearanceActionPanel({
 
             <Stepper.Step
               label="T1 transport documents"
-              description="GL Djibouti uploads after wagon allocation; GL Ethiopia closes on arrival"
+              description="GL Djibouti uploads after the gate pass is secured"
               icon={
-                clearance.t1?.closed ? <CheckCircle2 size={14} /> : <Truck size={14} />
+                t1Uploaded || clearance.t1?.closed ? (
+                  <CheckCircle2 size={14} />
+                ) : (
+                  <Truck size={14} />
+                )
               }
             >
-              <ImportT1Section
+              <ImportT1UploadStep
                 t1={clearance.t1 ?? null}
+                gatepassGranted={Boolean(clearance.gatepassGranted)}
                 workflowFiles={workflowFiles}
                 canDjAct={showDj && canDj}
-                canEtAct={showEt && canEt}
                 onChanged={onChanged}
                 onViewFile={onViewFile}
                 onDownloadFile={onDownloadFile}
               />
             </Stepper.Step>
 
+            <Stepper.Step
+              label="Close T1"
+              description="GL Ethiopia closes once the train arrives"
+              icon={
+                clearance.t1?.closed ? (
+                  <CheckCircle2 size={14} />
+                ) : (
+                  <PackageCheck size={14} />
+                )
+              }
+            >
+              <ImportT1CloseStep
+                t1={clearance.t1 ?? null}
+                t1Uploaded={t1Uploaded}
+                canEtAct={showEt && canEt}
+                onChanged={onChanged}
+              />
+            </Stepper.Step>
+
             <Stepper.Step
               label="Customs risk"
               description="GL Ethiopia assigns Green / Yellow / Red"
@@ -645,26 +676,29 @@ export function PhasedClearanceActionPanel({
   );
 }
 
-function ImportT1Section({
+/**
+ * GL Djibouti uploads the T1 transport documents (multi-file) once the gate
+ * pass is secured on the train schedule; locked on departure or T1 close.
+ */
+function ImportT1UploadStep({
   t1,
+  gatepassGranted,
   workflowFiles = [],
   canDjAct,
-  canEtAct,
   onChanged,
   onViewFile,
   onDownloadFile,
 }: {
   t1: Freight.ClearanceT1State | null;
+  gatepassGranted: boolean;
   workflowFiles?: Freight.ClearanceWorkflowFile[];
   canDjAct: boolean;
-  canEtAct: boolean;
   onChanged?: () => void;
   onViewFile?: (file: { name: string; url: string }) => void;
   onDownloadFile?: (file: { id: string; name: string }) => void;
 }) {
   const [files, setFiles] = useState<File[]>([]);
   const [uploading, setUploading] = useState(false);
-  const [closing, setClosing] = useState(false);
 
   const uploaded = t1FilesFromWorkflow(workflowFiles);
   const replaceMode = uploaded.length > 0;
@@ -680,8 +714,8 @@ function ImportT1Section({
   }
 
   const departed = Boolean(t1.trainDepartedAt);
-  const arrived = Boolean(t1.trainArrivedAt);
-  const canUpload = canDjAct && t1.wagonAllocated && !departed && !t1.closed;
+  const canUpload =
+    canDjAct && t1.wagonAllocated && gatepassGranted && !departed && !t1.closed;
 
   return (
     <Stack gap="sm">
@@ -707,7 +741,7 @@ function ImportT1Section({
         <StepStatus
           done
           pendingLabel=""
-          doneLabel="T1 accepted and closed by GL Ethiopia — documents are final."
+          doneLabel="T1 documents are final — closed by GL Ethiopia."
         />
       ) : !t1.wagonAllocated ? (
         <StepStatus
@@ -715,6 +749,12 @@ function ImportT1Section({
           pendingLabel="Waiting for operations to allocate wagons."
           doneLabel=""
         />
+      ) : !gatepassGranted ? (
+        <StepStatus
+          done={false}
+          pendingLabel="Waiting for the gate pass to be secured on the train schedule."
+          doneLabel=""
+        />
       ) : departed ? (
         <Alert color="orange" variant="light" icon={<AlertTriangle size={16} />}>
           The train has departed — T1 documents are locked and can no longer be changed.
@@ -725,6 +765,8 @@ function ImportT1Section({
           pendingLabel="Waiting for GL Djibouti to upload T1 transport documents."
           doneLabel=""
         />
+      ) : uploaded.length > 0 && !canUpload ? (
+        <StepStatus done pendingLabel="" doneLabel="T1 documents uploaded." />
       ) : null}
 
       {canUpload ? (
@@ -771,40 +813,103 @@ function ImportT1Section({
           </Button>
         </>
       ) : null}
+    </Stack>
+  );
+}
 
-      {canEtAct && !t1.closed ? (
-        arrived ? (
-          <Stack gap="xs">
-            <Text size="sm" c="dimmed">
-              The train has arrived — review the T1 documents and close (accept) them.
-            </Text>
-            <Button
-              color="edr-green"
-              loading={closing}
-              disabled={uploaded.length === 0}
-              leftSection={<PackageCheck size={16} />}
-              onClick={async () => {
-                setClosing(true);
-                try {
-                  await contractsService.closeT1(t1.bookingId);
-                  toast.success("T1 closed");
-                  onChanged?.();
-                } catch (e) {
-                  toast.error(e instanceof Error ? e.message : "Failed");
-                } finally {
-                  setClosing(false);
-                }
-              }}
-            >
-              Accept &amp; close T1
-            </Button>
-          </Stack>
-        ) : departed ? (
-          <Alert color="blue" variant="light" icon={<Clock size={16} />}>
-            Train en route — T1 can be closed once it arrives in Ethiopia.
-          </Alert>
-        ) : null
-      ) : null}
+/**
+ * GL Ethiopia closes (accepts) the T1 set with one click once the train has
+ * arrived. Separate step from the GL Djibouti upload.
+ */
+function ImportT1CloseStep({
+  t1,
+  t1Uploaded,
+  canEtAct,
+  onChanged,
+}: {
+  t1: Freight.ClearanceT1State | null;
+  t1Uploaded: boolean;
+  canEtAct: boolean;
+  onChanged?: () => void;
+}) {
+  const [closing, setClosing] = useState(false);
+
+  if (!t1) {
+    return (
+      <StepStatus
+        done={false}
+        pendingLabel="Available once the shipment booking is created."
+        doneLabel=""
+      />
+    );
+  }
+
+  if (t1.closed) {
+    return (
+      <StepStatus
+        done
+        pendingLabel=""
+        doneLabel={`T1 accepted and closed by GL Ethiopia${
+          t1.closedAt ? ` · ${new Date(t1.closedAt).toLocaleString()}` : ""
+        }`}
+      />
+    );
+  }
+
+  if (!t1Uploaded) {
+    return (
+      <StepStatus
+        done={false}
+        pendingLabel="Waiting for GL Djibouti to upload T1 transport documents."
+        doneLabel=""
+      />
+    );
+  }
+
+  if (!t1.trainArrivedAt) {
+    return (
+      <Alert color="blue" variant="light" icon={<Clock size={16} />}>
+        {t1.trainDepartedAt
+          ? "Train en route — T1 can be closed once it arrives in Ethiopia."
+          : "T1 can be closed once the train arrives in Ethiopia."}
+      </Alert>
+    );
+  }
+
+  if (!canEtAct) {
+    return (
+      <StepStatus
+        done={false}
+        pendingLabel="Train arrived — waiting for GL Ethiopia to close the T1."
+        doneLabel=""
+      />
+    );
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <Stack gap="xs">
+      <Text size="sm" c="dimmed">
+        The train has arrived — review the T1 documents and close (accept) them.
+      </Text>
+      <Button
+        color="edr-green"
+        loading={closing}
+        leftSection={<PackageCheck size={16} />}
+        onClick={async () => {
+          setClosing(true);
+          try {
+            await contractsService.closeT1(t1.bookingId);
+            toast.success("T1 closed");
+            onChanged?.();
+          } catch (e) {
+            toast.error(e instanceof Error ? e.message : "Failed");
+          } finally {
+            setClosing(false);
+          }
+        }}
+      >
+        Accept &amp; close T1
+      </Button>
     </Stack>
   );
 }