What is an MRN?

The most important facts in brief: The MRN number (Movement Reference Number) is a tracking number for customs documents. It is used, for example, in the export accompanying document or in the transit document. With the help of the MRN number, you can find out at any time which border your goods have already crossed and what clearance status the goods have.

Smooth and efficient processes are of great importance in modern logistics and international trade. The MRN number plays a decisive role in this context. What exactly is an MRN number and why is it so important? We clarify these questions in this article.

What is the MRN number?

The MRN number, also known as the movement number, stands for “Movement Reference Number”. This is a unique reference number that is issued for electronic customs declarations within the framework of the Automated Tariff and Trade System (ATLAS) or similar systems in other countries.

Each MRN number is unique and enables the customs authorities to uniquely identify and process a specific customs declaration.

How is the MRN number made up?

The MRN number usually consists of 18 characters. The first two characters represent the country code of the Member State in which the application was filed. The following 16 characters are a unique combination of numbers and letters that identify the respective customs declaration.

What is the MRN number used for?

Tracking of customs declarations: Once a customs declaration has been transmitted electronically, it can be tracked by the customs authorities and the companies involved using its MRN number.
Communication with the customs authorities: If questions or ambiguities arise regarding a customs declaration, the MRN number serves as a reference to ensure that everyone involved is talking about the same process.
Documentation and archiving: The MRN number is important for companies to document and archive their customs declarations. This enables them to quickly provide the relevant documents in the event of any inspections or queries from the customs authorities.

Meaning of the MRN number in international trade

Increased efficiency: The unique identification of customs declarations means they can be processed and released more quickly.
Transparency: The MRN number enables transparent tracking of goods movements across borders and thus facilitates communication between companies, freight forwarders and customs authorities.
Error reduction: As each customs declaration has a unique MRN number, mix-ups and errors in processing are minimized.

Conclusion

The MRN number is an essential tool in modern customs clearance and contributes significantly to efficiency, transparency and security in the international movement of goods. For companies that regularly send or receive goods across borders, it is very important to familiarize themselves with the concept of the MRN number and to integrate it correctly into their processes.